After performing only the second live performance of Grammy award-winning composer, Christopher Tin’s “The Lost Birds” in March of 2023, we decided to continue our relationship with Chris by commissioning him to write an extended new work for us. “Song Offerings” was premiered by Kantorei in October 2024 and we had already decided with Chris to record a full album of his new choral music including “Transfigurations” which had been premiered in the spring of 2024 and includes texts by our lyricist and poet friend, Charles Anthony Silvestri. We recorded that album January 2-5, 2025.

One of the biggest questions I am asked about recording is why record?

Especially considering the ever-evolving recording industry, the variety of formats for releasing recordings, and the ease with which anyone can upload sounds to countless social media platforms and streaming services, it might seem much simpler to just upload concert recordings and call it a day. But there are a couple of important reasons Kantorei chooses to record in closed sessions, work with some of the top recording producers and engineers in the industry, and have our professional recordings released on major classical labels.

This most recent recording session was the 10th I’ve participated in in the last 20 years, and my third with Kantorei as conductor. Every single time, the choir has come out a better ensemble than it entered. Sessions normally take about 25-30 hours to record a full-length (45-60 min) album. That’s a lot of time together! Throughout the process, the singers work on their critical listening skills, they get to know their instruments better, and they get to know each other better which all make for a better ensemble. It also gives us the opportunity to strive for perfection. Unlike concert performances, we have multiple times to sing each song, and even phrases within a song, as we try to capture the best possible take. Some of our favorite words to hear from Blanton Alspaugh, our producer from Soundmirror, are “I think we’ve got it!” Ultimately the recording process raises the artistic bar for all of us, and that benefits our local audiences more than anyone.

Managing Artistic Director, Joel Rinsema: Conducting Kantorei at recording session

We believe that we have something important to share with the world. Our artistry, interpretation, and the repertoire we perform are enjoyed by our local audiences, and we believe that the greater world benefits from hearing what we have to sing too. Another reason Kantorei records is for the international distribution, promotion, and marketing the organization enjoys, especially when releasing albums on a major classical label such as Naxos and soon, Decca Classics. To be carried on a major label, there are certain recording standards we need to meet, and part of that is hiring the best in the industry to partner with to make the recordings. One of the most important relationships in a recording project is between the conductor and the producer. I’ve known and worked with Blanton for over 20 years now. He is someone I respect and trust, as do all the choir members. We know that he has Kantorei’s best interests in mind as he’s listening to us in the control room. We work hard and respond to his suggestions and instructions while we are recording. He is a necessary and very important part of our team.

Producer, Blanton Alspaugh and Engineer, Mark Donahue

In Kantorei’s values, we have the statement “We celebrate and perform composers that have been underrepresented in the choral tradition alongside those who have historically enjoyed the spotlight. We amplify voices that should be heard and seek to bring our voices to new places.” One of the reasons we record is to further amplify those voices that should be heard. It was wonderful to partner with Christopher Tin on this latest recording. Through his works “Transfigurations” and the piece he wrote for us “Song Offerings” Chris has created for the world profound art and we are honored to be the ensemble to introduce this exciting new repertoire. Composing works for choir and small instrumental ensemble is a new genre for Chris, and so we are also honored to help facilitate this new compositional output from him and it certainly holds hands with our vision. Chris joined us for our sessions and conducted “Transfigurations” which adds uniqueness to this project. Rarely are multiple conductors featured on the podium for recording projects like this.

Stay tuned for Part 2 to get a behind the scenes look at our time in the studio!

~ Joel Rinsema, Managing Artistic Director

The Making of an Album: Part 1

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