“Teach Me Thy Statutes” CD Becoming A Big Success

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PaTRAM Institute’s most recent CD, “Teach Me Thy Statutes”, is quickly gaining in popularity with both critics and sales outlets.The CD, which was released in mid-May, has started its ascent to the highest points in this genre.

Critics are starting to notice, with very positive reviews. In fact, one reviewer, Dan Morgan, from Music Web International, went as far as to say, “this album now tops the shortlist of the year’s best so far”. In addition, the Music Web International site, has the CD listed as “Recording of the Month”.

Sales, in both CD and downloaded formats, are growing. In fact, Reference Recordings (PaTRAM’s recording, distribution and promotion company) has just notified PaTRAM that “Teach Me Thy Statutes” has risen to the #1 position, on Amazon, in Vocal and Choral new releases!

Finally, Joy Sharpe (radio host at KLEF-FM radio in Anchorage, AK) has announced that she will feature “Teach Me Thy Statutes” on her radio show, “Sacred Concert”, on Sunday July 15th, from 6-9am Alaska Time (10am1pm Eastern Time.

The music is available from the following outlets:

PaTRAM Proudly Announces the Release of Their Newest CD, “Teach Me Thy Statutes”

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On May 18th, 2018, Reference Recordings released PaTRAM’s latest CD, “Teach Me Thy Statutes”.

There are a number of outlets where the CD can be purchased or downloaded including:

Written by the famed Russian composer, Pavel Chesnokov, and superbly performed by the PaTRAM Institute Male Choir (42 vocalists with a massive bass section), these pieces represent some of the Orthodox world’s greatest music. This historic work immerses the listener into the beautiful Russian monastic style of singing through its fullness and richness of sonority. The new HDCD quality & SACD 5.0 (Super Audio Recording) release was recorded by the MULTI-GRAMMY winner and nominee, SoundMirror in Saratov, Russia under the baton of highly-esteemed conductor Vladimir Gorbik and is distributed by MULTI-GRAMMY recording company, Reference Recordings.

Critical Acclaim!!

“Really, this is a remarkable recording… Is there nothing this choir can’t do, no challenge to which they can’t rise? Of course, so much credit is due to Gorbik’s inspiring leadership, his devotion to, and affinity for, this music laid bare in every bar. Intensely beautiful singing and sound; quite simply, choral albums don’t come much better than this.” —Dan Morgan, MusicWeb International

Read the full review

Kurt Sander’s Newly Written Divine Liturgy Recorded for Release in 2018

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This past August, PaTRAM sponsored a recording session of Kurt Sander’s newly commissioned Divine Liturgy.

The recording took place at New Gracanica Serbian Monastery in the Chicago area and was sung by the PaTRAM Institute Singers, a chamber choir of 26 professional singers from around the country directed by Maestro Peter Jermihov. Soundmirror recording company, a Boston-based firm that has racked up more than 90 Grammy nominations and awards, was engaged for this epic project.

The event required 3 days of rehearsal and 3 days of recording sessions. Each of the performers received the musical score months in advance so that by the time they arrived at the monastery the music was thoroughly learned and ready for performance.

Kurt Sanders, himself an accomplished singer, was a member of the choir and present throughout to guide the conductor and producer.

A sealed and sound-proofed control room was created in the foyer of the church. Baffles were hung around the inside walls. Tables with computer terminals, sound boards, and other recording equipment were amassed on the table. Soundmirror shipped boxes of equipment to the location, a difficult logistical task in its own right. Wires, booms, mikes, and numerous other recording equipment were laid out on the floor of the church.

The first rehearsal took place in the church but the remainder of the first 3 days the Singers rehearsed in the spacious catering hall. The purpose of this was to perfect the sound of the choir without the fabulous acoustics of the church enhancing the sound.

Once the choir reached a performance level of execution in the unenhanced acoustics of the banquet hall, the sound engineers were ready to test levels and begin the recording sessions in the deep and resonant acoustical space of the church.

Standing on his makeshift podium, Maestro Jermihov was able to draw the most out of the singers.

In the 7-story tall acoustics of this magical space, the performance and the music came together to produce a unique and memorable tone quality filled with beauty and prayer.

In mid-afternoon of the final day of recording, after finishing the final cleanups and packing the equipment, the artists, staff, and engineers gathered at a local pub for some R & R. There were toasts, hugs, and kisses, and exchanges of contact information. The group was now well-bonded and eager to hear the release of their work. The recording is due for a 2018 release on Naxos of America.

Without the help of the seminary’s leader, Father Seraphim, and the monastery’s church hall catering manager, Zdravko Lakic, this event would never have succeeded. Father Seraphim assisted in every way possible and provided the group with everything from tables and chairs to the church itself.

Mr. Lakic, 3rd from right, PaTRAM staff, center, and the catering staff on either side

Meanwhile, every day for six consecutive days, Zdravko and his team of chefs and helpers, not only prepared the group lunches daily, but served the lunches to over 30 people, including staff and recording teams-some of the tastiest Lenten meals ever! Both men welcomed PaTRAM back sometime in the future.

Be sure to subscribe to the PaTRAM mailing list  so that you will be first to hear about actual release dates and where to obtain a copy of this epic recording.