Thanks to Minnesota Public Radio’s Choral Stream, I got to enjoy Anúna’s new album, Revelation, last night via live stream. It’s a fabulous new record, from the unique musical perspective of Michael McGlynn. Anúna and McGlynn are probably the best-known Irish choral music today.
McGlynn has been leading Anúna since 1987, producing a remarkable collection of albums and published choral music. The two McGlynn pieces I’ve done with the Rockford Aces, Dúlamán and August, have been consistent favorites of the groups.
I’m looking forward especially to programming his One Last Song from the new album, which I am certain that the Aces will love. In the meantime, though, thanks to support from the Rockford Education Foundation, Michael has been working on an original commission for the Aces. We expect to have it in the near future and will be premiering it later this school year.
We are fortunate to have many worldwide perspectives on choral music composition, and I love the singular viewpoint Michael brings to his work. It is instantly recognizable, personal, heartfelt. And the performances on the new album are virtuosic enough to do his music justice.
Enjoy this archived google hangout between Michael, Anúna, and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu. They recorded it immediately after the live stream of the album last night – at 2am Ireland time.