In a Grove Album Out Now!

I’m profoundly excited to share that the world premiere recording of In a Grove, my new opera written with librettist Stephanie Fleischmann, is available now as a digital download and a limited edition CD (designed by Still Room), and for streaming on all major platforms from In a Circle Records. 

The album features the luminous voices of Lindsay Kesselman, Chuanyuan Liu, Andrew Turner, and John Taylor Ward, as well as the incredible instrumentalists of Metropolis Ensemble. The album was produced by me alongside my colleagues Mike Tierney and Andrew Cyr; Mike also recorded and mixed the record.

This project endeavors to be a new kind of opera album—one where each voice and instrument was recorded separately in the studio, applying the lessons of the pandemic but using them intentionally — emphasizing vowels, phonemes, even noises that could not be heard in a live performance.

I spoke extensively about the project with Julia Conrad and VAN Magazine. She asked thoughtful and challenging questions. You can read that interview here.

We’ve received a lovely review in Operawire. Francophones can hear me talk about the project with Radio France. And the opera headlines today’s Avant Garden from Tidal. I’m hoping you can take an hour and listen to the labor of love of many people. And of course, hope your summer is going well.

Thank you, as always, for reading,

Chris