Urgency of Now – fresh, exciting, challenging!

Vocal Art Ensemble of Sweden treats us to choral music that takes on the burning questions of our day and age, such as the environment, democracy, xenophobia and equal rights regardless of colour, creed or ethnicity. A celebration of life!

A musical manifestation of our dedication to our times, the will to be an advocate of humanitarian values in a fast-paced society.

Two brand-new commissioned pieces for choir and percussion now enrich the Swedish choral repertoire thanks to support from Statens Kulturråd: Ulrika Emanuelsson’s ”Där livet klingar ut”, about the courage to stand up for a more humane society and my own composition “Urgency of Now”, about the unfulfilled promises of democracy.

Fresh arrangements for V.A.E. from two colourful singer-songwriters that move effortlessly between genres: Vienna Teng pokes fun at our information society in “Hymn of Acxion” and Imogen Heap speaks out against xenophobia in “Hide and Seek”.

Listeners are also treated to a burst of Filipino energy by John August Pamintuan and a plaintiff prayer for a better world by the Cuban composer Calixto Alvarez. Deservedly showcased with several tracks, Ēriks Ešenvalds of Lithuania displays his personal touch and his magic “singing” glasses.

Works by Maurice Ravel, Sven-David Sandström and Cesar Alejandro Carillo celebrate life and convey the message that we can make a difference. Samuel Barber’s “Agnus Dei” sums up the importance of personal growth and refinement.

Daniel Berg & Fredrik Duvling, Rhythm Art Duo, supports as percussionists on some of the tracks.