Ruth Schram

Published On:Wednesday, November 04, 2009

THE Music Ministry of Christ Church Cathedral is set to host renowned American composer Ruth Elaine Schram for a three-day choral workshop and concert from November 16- 19.

"We are really excited about the visit of Ms Schram to the Bahamas and to the Cathedral," said Sonovia Pierre, director of the Cathedral's chorale.

Ms Schram's choral octavos have been sung by the choirs of the Cathedral, and indeed in many of the churches in the Bahamas for years now.

The composer wrote her first song at the age of 12 and her first octavo was published 20 years later, in 1988.

In 1992, she became a full-time composer and arranger, and now has over 1,300 published works. Over 12 million copies of Ms Schram's songs have been purchased in various venues, and she has been a recipient of the ASCAP Special Award each year since 1990.

In addition to Ms Schram's choral music for church and school choirs, her songs appear on 30 albums (four of which have been Dove Award finalists) and numerous children's vid

eos, including 16 songs on four gold videos, and four songs on one multi-platinum video. Her songs have also appeared on such diverse television shows as 'The 700 Club' and HBO's acclaimed series 'The Sopranos'.

"The choral workshop has two aims," said Ms Pierre.

"First, we want to expose choir members to the actual composers of the works which they have sung for such a long time; and in this instance, to hear from the composer the technique under which her music is properly presented and to work directly with the source of such good Christian choral music. In that regard a pre-workshop group is already meeting to rehearse the selected octavos.

"Secondly, Ms Schram will hold a workshop especially for choral conductors where she will impart her knowledge of conducting techniques and provide tips on proper intonation, dynamics, composition and organisation of choral groups."

The three-day workshop ends with a concert of Ms Schram's music on Thursday, November 19 at 7pm, said Arlene Hercules, a member of the organising committee.

"Ms Schram has developed a concert based around readings from the Bible, and her music, which spans the church's liturgical year, this is what we will present to end the three day workshop," she said.

While visiting New Providence, Ms Schram is expected to pay a courtesy call on Governor General Arthur Hanna and on Bishop of the Anglican Diocese Rev Laish Boyd, who is also the concert's patron.

Additional information on the workshop and concert are available by calling the Cathedral during office hours.