Acclaimed vocalists New York Polyphony to blend ancient, modern in concert

Twice Grammy-nominated in classical music categories and hailed for "superb musicianship and vocal allure," chamber ensemble New York Polyphony will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church as part of SUNY Oswego's Ke-Nekt Chamber Music Series.

SUNY Oswego music faculty member Todd Graber, host for the evening, will deliver a pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. at the church, 103 W. Seventh St. in Oswego.

The vocalists -- countertenor Geoffrey Williams, tenor Scott Caldicott Wilson, baritone Christopher Dylan Herbert and bass Craig Phillips -- give vibrant, modern voice to repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant to cutting-edge compositions.

National Public Radio praised New York Polyphony for a "rich, natural sound that's larger and more complex than the sum of its parts." Acclaimed by The New Yorker for "superb musicianship and vocal allure," the group is acknowledged as one of the foremost vocal chamber ensembles active today.

The ensemble, both in performances and on recordings, has demonstrated a commitment to presenting contemporary compositions that explore the boundaries between ancient and modern music. Recently, New York Polyphony has performed the music of 16th century English sacred music composer Thomas Tallis, as well as such pieces as "To Mock Your Reign" by contemporary composer Andrew Smith.

New York Polyphony's growing discography includes two Grammy-nominated releases and albums that have topped the "best of" lists of The New Yorker, Gramophone and BBC Music Magazine. The 2013 release of "Times Go by Turns," the ensemble's fourth album, garnered a Grammy nomination. In 2014, "Sing Thee Nowell" scored New York Polyphony a nomination in the Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance category. 

Touring extensively, the vocalists will add Oswego to their long list of venues, which includes major concerts and festivals around the world. New York Polyphony also has been featured on "Performance Today" for American Public Media, "Footprints to Paradise: A Medieval Christmas" for Public Radio International and BBC Radio 3's "In Tune." In December 2011, the ensemble made its national television debut on "The Martha Stewart Show."

Tickets for New York Polyphony are $15 ($5 for any student) and are available at any SUNY Oswego box office, online at tickets.oswego.edu or by calling 315-312-2141.

For information on this or other SUNY Oswego fine and performing arts presentations, visit oswego.edu/arts.