For centuries they stood in the shadow of their male colleagues, but with SHE, Chorwerk Ruhr shines a full spotlight on the female composers of the past and present. In this special program, music is heard that touches, challenges, and surprises, written by women who, often against the grain, have contributed to the choral repertoire. Thanks in part to Chorwerk Ruhr, they receive the recognition they deserve.

The program opens with the spiritual O virtus sapientiae by the medieval composer, mystic, and scientist Hildegard von Bingen. From there, the line leads surprisingly directly to the present, with excerpts from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Partita for 8 Voices by Caroline Shaw. Between these extremes, a rich palette of styles and emotions unfolds. Renaissance and Baroque music by Maddalena Casulana and Barbara Strozzi stands alongside romantic miniatures by Fanny Hensel and Clara Schumann. The warm lyricism of Florence B. Price and the serene expressiveness of Alice Tegnér also find a place. With music by Imogen Holst – daughter of composer Gustav Holst – and a new work by Nana Forte, SHE lands back in our time.

SHE is a musical journey of discovery through voices that have always been there. An ode to female creativity, but also a showcase of what top-level ensemble singing can mean today.

Program

From the beginning…

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
O virtus sapientiae
Caroline Shaw (1982)
Partita for 8 Voices: nr. 1 Allemande

Love and Death…

Maddalena Casulana (1544-1590)
Morir non puo
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677)
Priego ad amore
Caroline Shaw (1982)
Partita for 8 Voices: nr. 2 Sarabande

Longing and resignation…

Fanny Hensel (1805-1847)
Nacht liegt auf den fremden Wegen
Florence Price (1887-1953)
Resignation
Alice Tegnér (1864-1943)
En hymn till stjärnan
Clara Schumann (1819-1896)
Gondoliera
Caroline Shaw (1982)
Partita for 8 Voices: nr. 3 Courante

…and what next?

Imogen Holst (1907-1984)
Hallo, my fancy
Nana Forte (1981)
New piece
Caroline Shaw (1982)
Partita for 8 Voices: nr. 4 Passacaglia