“Memories of our First Delos recording” by Phyllis Kubey

Contralto and Board Member Phyllis Kubey was one of my 5 core altos in all of the Delos recordings from the 1990s and provided all the super low notes for the section with astonishing clarity. When I listen to these recordings, I hear the color of her voice unmistakably. Our very first recording was made over the period of four nights in April, 1993. We were so inexperienced that we went into overtime at every session; but the incredible Delos team got us through it! Phyllis writes, “Being part of Voices of Ascension’s first Delos recording was an extraordinary musical and spiritual experience. We recorded in the Church of the Ascension where we performed our concerts, not in a recording studio. As with any NYC location, some takes ended up with siren or other Manhattan street noise obligatos. The terrific singers, our fabulous music director, superb repertoire, and the care and expertise of the Delos team came together to create wonderful recordings – and allowed Voices to share its music all over the world. What an honor and a privilege it is to be part of these recordings!” Thanks so much, Phyllis (and Delos)! Here, in my opinion, is Mendelssohn’s finest a cappella motet, with Phyllis, front and center, in the lowest part of the women’s voices.

– Dennis Keene

MENDELSSOHN Psalm 43

Voices of Ascension
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director

from the Delos recording Mysteries Beyond ℗ 1994 Delos
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.