“Once Upon a Time” becomes a new “happily ever after”

If you thought you were familiar with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” or “The Little Mermaid,” take a listen to a stunning recent release by the vocal ensemble Skylark. Director Matthew Guard would be quick to point out that the power of this release cannot be credited to his group alone — after all, there is the nuanced narration from noted story teller Sarah Walker. The final and crucial element of this synergistic project comes from the interpolation of existing choral works, and a new “Story Score” from Benedict Sheehan.

The recipient of a Grammy nomination a few years ago, Guard was not about to rest on that laurel, and is constantly looking for new modes of expression for his incredibly versatile choir. Skylark bass-baritone Peter Walker is the husband of Sarah Walker, and Guard began to experiment with incorporating her gifts into a performance of disparate choral works. After a number of concerts that resulted in an ever-growing excitement from performers and audiences alike, the current CD (available from Naxos and pictured above) was produced.

Read full review at https://whatgregsays.wordpress.com