The Concept

C4, the world's first Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, is a unique vocal ensemble in New York City dedicated to performing music by living composers. A collaborative project of its singing members, it functions not only as a presenting ensemble in its own right, with concerts at least twice yearly, but also as an ongoing workshop and recital chorus for the emerging composers and conductors who form the core of the group. It is, so far as we know, the first ensemble of its kind, and the largest choral group in the nation to focus entirely on the music of our time. C4 operates two choruses of different sizes. The 17-voice Chamber Chorus rehearses every week on Thursday nights and sings all of the repertoire on each concert. The C4 Symphonic Chorus is a larger group comprised of a rotating pool of singers called in for works that require additional forces in order to be effective. The 13-member C4 Collective consists of the composers, conductors, and singers who share responsibility for running the group and serve as the organization's Board of Directors.

History

C4 was founded in November 2005 by a small cadre of veterans of New York City's choral scene who sought a chance to explore new directions for themselves and for choral music in a collaborative, artist-friendly environment. Following an initial round of auditions in January, preparations began for C4's first full-length concert, presented to a sold-out house on June 9, 2006. The concert featured four world premieres and was selected as Time Out New York's Don't Miss! classical/opera pick of the night. C4's 2006-07 season features two performances at the Norwegian Seamen's Church as well as an appearance on Mary Jane Leach's Re:Soundings series in Valley Falls, NY.

For more information about the origins of C4, see Anna Reguero's October 20, 2006 article for Vocal Area Network.

News

The C4 2008-2009 concert season will include:
a concert on November 22, 2008 featuring works on the theme of War and Peace
a concert on February 28, 2009 featuring "Water Music"

Repertoire

C4's repertoire is primarily drawn from composer members of the chorus, with music by other living composers as a secondary area of interest. Conductor members of the group divide up the repertoire among themselves and work closely with each composer to achieve the ideal interpretative result. This spirit of experimentation and collaboration is central to the C4 musical experience.

Works that have received their first performance from C4:

• Paul Carey Briefly It Enters, and Briefly Speaks
• Christopher Baum Two Miniatures
• Jonathan David The Kallyope Yell
• Franny Geller Spring and Fall
• Asia Mei Remember Eternity
• Malina Rauschenfels Eine Kleine Morning Music
• David Rentz Love in C(ummings)
• Karen Siegel Hellgate Beach

C4 accepts repertoire submissions for performance consideration on a rolling basis. To submit your work, send two copies of the score and a recording (if available) to:

David Rentz
c/o The Brearley School
610 East 83rd Street
New York, NY 10028

We ask that you send no more than three pieces at a time. Please include a SASE if you would like materials returned.