The Crossing (choral ensemble)
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| The Crossing (choral ensemble) | |
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| Name | The Crossing |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Genres | Contemporary classical, choral |
| Years active | 2005–present |
| Label | Innova, Bridge, New World, Sono Luminus |
| Associated acts | International Contemporary Ensemble, Philadelphia Orchestra, Bang on a Can |
The Crossing (choral ensemble) is an American professional chamber choir based in Philadelphia known for its focus on contemporary choral music, experimental repertoire, and advocacy for new works. Founded in 2005, the ensemble has commissioned and premiered pieces by leading composers, collaborated with major orchestras and festivals, and received national recognition including Grammy Awards and ASCAP honors. The Crossing's programming often interweaves contemporary composers, historical figures, and civic themes, attracting partnerships with institutions across the United States and Europe.
History
The Crossing was founded in 2005 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by conductor Donald Nally and a cadre of singers drawn from ensembles such as the American Bach Soloists, Tafelmusik, and the Julliard School alumni community. Early seasons featured performances at venues including University of Pennsylvania facilities, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and collaborations with the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and the Curtis Institute of Music. The ensemble's trajectory intersected with festivals like Tanglewood Music Center, Aldeburgh Festival, and Spoleto Festival USA, while administrative and artistic partnerships developed with organizations such as the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Orchestra Association. Over time The Crossing expanded its presence through residencies at universities including Rutgers University, Temple University, and Swarthmore College, and by engaging with arts presenters like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Wigmore Hall.
Artistic Profile and Repertoire
Under Donald Nally's direction, The Crossing cultivates a repertoire emphasizing living composers such as John Luther Adams, Krzysztof Penderecki, Ola Gjeilo, Arvo Pärt, Morton Feldman, Caroline Shaw, David Lang, Jennifer Higdon, Gavin Bryars, James MacMillan, Eric Whitacre, Steve Reich, and Missy Mazzoli. The choir performs works spanning the baroque revival by ensembles like The Sixteen to contemporary ensembles like Ensemble InterContemporain and International Contemporary Ensemble, programming cycles that juxtapose composers including Thomas Tallis, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Johann Sebastian Bach, Igor Stravinsky, Béla Bartók, and Arvo Pärt with new commissions. The Crossing is noted for performances of extended works and site-specific projects inspired by figures such as Walt Whitman, Seamus Heaney, Langston Hughes, and Allen Ginsberg, and for interpreting scores by film and theater collaborators including Philip Glass and John Adams.
Commissions and Premieres
The ensemble has an extensive commissioning record, premiering works by composers including Caroline Shaw, David Lang, John Luther Adams, Paul Moravec, Missy Mazzoli, Anna Clyne, James MacMillan, Gareth Farr, Arvo Pärt (living collaborations), and Eric Whitacre. The Crossing has partnered with institutional funders such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Koussevitzky Music Foundation, American Composers Forum, The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, and Meet the Composer to support new music. Major premiere projects have been presented at festivals like Hudson Valley Music Festival, Adams Festival, and presenters including Miller Theatre and Duke Performances.
Recordings and Awards
The Crossing's discography on labels such as Innova Recordings, Bridge Records, New World Records, and Sono Luminus includes recordings of works by John Luther Adams, Arvo Pärt, Caroline Shaw, Krzysztof Penderecki, and contemporary American choral cycles. Notable recordings have earned praise from critics at publications including The New York Times, Gramophone, and BBC Music Magazine, and have garnered awards including multiple Grammy Awards and nominations, as well as honors from ASCAP and the Pulitzer Prize juries for associated composers. The Crossing's recording projects have been distributed and broadcast via NPR, BBC Radio 3, and regional stations such as WHYY.
Collaborations and Tours
The Crossing has collaborated with the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, contemporary ensembles like the International Contemporary Ensemble and Ensemble Signal, and artists including Bang on a Can, Paul Hillier, Joan La Barbara, and Ellen Fisher. International tours have taken the group to concert halls and festivals in United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Norway, with performances at venues including Wigmore Hall, Elbphilharmonie, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and the Royal Albert Hall’s festival stages. The ensemble has also participated in cultural diplomacy and arts exchange programs supported by organizations such as the United States Department of State and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Educational and Community Engagement
Educational initiatives include residencies, workshops, and masterclasses at institutions like the Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard School, Peabody Institute, University of Pennsylvania, and community partnerships with Philadelphia-based organizations including Interfaith Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. The Crossing runs youth outreach programs, composition workshops with the American Composers Forum, and community performances tied to civic commemorations such as collaborations with Independence National Historical Park and regional humanities councils. The ensemble’s public programming frequently includes pre-concert talks, panel discussions with composers from institutions like Bard College and Columbia University, and participatory projects for amateur choirs.
Membership and Leadership
Artistic leadership is centered on conductor Donald Nally, with administrative and artistic teams drawn from professionals associated with institutions such as the Grant Park Music Festival, Carnegie Mellon University, New England Conservatory, and Temple University. The choir's singers are recruited from a pool of professionals affiliated with ensembles including The Crossing's singers have worked with notable organizations such as The Philadelphia Singers, Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Apollo’s Fire, and freelance careers across Metropolitan Opera and regional opera companies. Governance has involved boards and advisors with ties to the Pew Charitable Trusts, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and local arts councils.
Category:American choirs Category:Contemporary classical music groups