This International Women’s Day, we celebrate what it is to come together as a women’s choir, and sing.
‘Here in my Heart’ by Sarah Quartel is a favourite piece for many singers in the group: it speaks about the beauty of nature and the joy of making music.
We chose to release this video for IWD2021 as not only is composer Sarah Quartel working in a field that is still largely male-dominated, but also because many of her pieces are written specifically for female voice choirs.
We last performed this piece in October 2020 at a concert that took place between two national lockdowns, when it felt especially poignant. We hope you enjoy it.
‘Here in my Heart’ composed for SSAA choir by Sarah Quartel
Performed by La Nova Singers
Conducted by Michelle Nova
Accompanied by Sam Hanson on piano
This recording is from Christchurch Priory in 2019. The photos in the video are from La Nova Singers’ 15-year history, and performances in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Shaftesbury and London! All images are the property of their respective photographers.
About the choir:
La Nova Singers are one of Dorset’s most highly-regarded female vocal ensembles. They perform an eclectic repertoire of classical, sacred, operatic and modern choral music; and are known for the power and beauty of their sound. All the singers are trained in ‘Bel Canto’ technique by conductor and musical director Michelle Nova.
About the composer:
Sarah Quartel (b. 1982) is a Canadian composer and educator known for her fresh and exciting approach to choral music. Her work is inspired by nature, and by the life-changing relationships that can occur while making choral music.