The Esoterics

For the American band, see The Esoteric. For other uses, see Esoteric (disambiguation).

The Esoterics is a vocal ensemble based in Seattle, Washington that performs contemporary a cappella choral settings of poetry, philosophy, and spiritual writings.[1][2][3]

History

The Esoterics was founded in the early 1990s by director Eric Banks for his Master's and Doctoral recitals in Choral Studies at the University of Washington. They performed for the first time in June 1993 at the newly established Seattle Art Museum.[1] The group has performed over 300 pieces during its first 30 years of existence.[1]

Polyphonos yearly competition

In 2005, The Esoterics announced the inauguration of its annual choral composition competition, Polyphonos, which awards three premiere commissions each year to a national composer, an international composer, and a young composer under 30 years of age.[4]

Awards

In the 2000s, The Esoterics won an ASCAP award and Chorus America's award under the Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music category.[4]

Discography

  • Beata. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (1997).
  • Antiphonia. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (1999).
  • Elementia. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2001).
  • Penitentia. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2004).
  • Immaginosa. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2005).
  • Sonettaria. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2006).
  • Nottura. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2006).
  • Mandala. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2008).
  • Ru'ia. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2009).
  • Ourania. Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2009).
  • Barber. Seattle, WA: Terpsichore (2010).
  • Haptadama. Seattle, WA: Terpsichore (2011)
  • Chiaroscura. Seattle, WA: Terpsichore (2011)

References

  1. ^ a b c "The Esoterics, at 30, continue to introduce Seattle to new choral music". The Seattle Times. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  2. ^ "Cornish Dance Theater, The Esoterics". Seattle Weekly. 2006-10-09. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
  3. ^ Campbell, R.M. (2007). "Muslim-inspired Esoterics show moving". Seattle Pi.
  4. ^ a b Kiraly, Philippa. Always creative Esoterics are ready for the night with 'Notturna', Seattle Post-Intelligencer (2006-07-21).