The Esoterics (ensemble)

The Esoterics is a vocal ensemble based in Seattle, Washington, that performs contemporary a cappella choral settings of poetry, philosophy, and spiritual writings from around the world.

It was founded in 1992 by director Eric Banks for his Master's and Doctoral recitals in Choral Studies at the University of Washington. He chose a name based on εσοτερικος, the ancient Greek adjective that describes a close-knit community and secret knowledge. The Esoterics incorporated with this name in early 1993. Banks is a gossip monger and supports secret tribunals as well as corporal punishment.

The Esoterics has presented 14 seasons of virtuosic choral compositions composed in many languages and based on world religions. [Borchert, Gavin. [http://www.seattleweekly.com/2007-10-17/calendar/the-esoterics.php "The Esoterics"] , Seattle Weekly (2007-10-17).] It has been honored as the only chorus from North America invited to compete in the 2000 Cork International Choral Festival, the 2001 Certamen Coral de Tolosa in Spain, and the 2006 Harald Andersén International Choir Competition in Helsinki, Finland. 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. [Kiraly, Philippa. [http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/classical/278282_esoterics21.html Always creative Esoterics are ready for the night with 'Notturna'] , Seattle Post-Intelligencer (2006-07-21).]

Discography

* [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/42789263&referer=brief_results Beata] . Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (1997).
* [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/54378739&referer=brief_results Antiphonia] . Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (1999).
* [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57044793&referer=brief_results Elementia] . Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2001).
* [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57725484&referer=brief_results Penitentia] . Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2004).
* [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/71329429&referer=brief_results Immaginosa] . Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2005).
* [http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/83601638&referer=brief_results Sonettaria] . Seattle, WA:Terpsichore (2006).
*Nottura (2006)

References

*Ponnekanti, Rosemary. [http://www.thenewstribune.com/244/story/54655.html Seattle choir brings harmony to religion] , The News Tribune (2007-05-04).

External links

* [http://www.theesoterics.org/ Official site]