Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) is one of New York’s preeminent choral ensembles. EVUSA performs in many of the city’s iconic venues and events, and records and premieres works by America’s finest composers and lyricists. The ensemble is comprised of talented, seasoned professionals and auditioned volunteers, dynamically fitted to the unique needs of each project. EVUSA held a month-long residency at National Public Radio, performed for many years with The New York Pops in its Carnegie Hall subscription series, performed on NBC’s July 4th Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular, and at the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting and participated in President Obama’s Inaugural activities. On July 4, 2022, they performed Washington Women, the choral cycle they commissioned, on the National Public Radio Tiny Desk Concerts. They have recently performed in educational programs in the New York City schools. The group has produced The Composer Speaks at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music, and has premiered works and collaborated with America’s finest composers. The group’s educational program, Project Youth Chorus, has provided select high school students the opportunity to sing with the chorus on recordings and in concerts at Carnegie Hall. Their recordings include America at Heart, Celebrating the American Spirit, Appalachian Stories, Cherished Moments: Songs of the Jewish Spirit, Devotion, Christmas Joy, Holiday Harmonies: Songs of Christmas, Cradle Hymn, May You Heal, Season of Light: Songs of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, New Year, Rejoice! Honoring the Jewish Spirit, Remember-Revere-Rejoice, Washington Women, Winter Harmonies, and Words Matter. Their recording of Songs of Freedom: A Celebration of Chanukah was heard at the Indianapolis’ Art Museum — Newfields holiday light show.
Albums
Holiday Joy
Catalog Number: TROY1987
HOLIDAY JOY by Essential Voices USA, under the direction of acclaimed conductor Judith Clurman, offers a moving celebration of light, peace, and joy for the holiday season. This collection brings together three evocative works: Eight Days of Lights and Chanukah Joy and Peace, composed by Clurman and David Chase, and The Holidays Are Here, co-written by Clurman and Wesley Whatley. Through a blend of Jewish liturgical traditions and festive Christmas spirit, the album illuminates the universal need for light and hope in dark times.
With vivid instrumental arrangements for piano, clarinet, and cello, and stunning performances by Essential Voices USA, HOLIDAY JOY creates a sense of warmth and unity, inviting listeners to reflect on freedom, resilience, and shared celebration. Each piece not only honors its historical and cultural origins but also breathes new life into holiday music, making this album an inspiring and joyful experience for all.
Christmas Joy
Catalog Number: TROY1955
Essential Voices USA conducted by Judith Clurman performs choral music for Christmas including Illumination by Pierre Jalbert; The Snow by Bill Cutter; and a superlative arrangement of favorite Christmas carols for chorus and string quartet. Titled Christmas Joy, the work includes Silent Night; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Angels We Have Heard on High; O Come, O Come, Emmanuel; O Come, All Ye Faithful; and Joy to the World.
Remember, Revere, Rejoice
Catalog Number: TROY1939
This DIGITAL ONLY recording embraces the highs and lows of Jewish life – the Holocaust (Remember), a psalm setting (Revere), and love poetry and joy (Rejoice). Judith Clurman’s Essential Voices USA (EVUSA) is one of New York’s preeminent choral ensembles. EVUSA boasts a talented roster of seasoned professionals and auditioned volunteers, dynamically fitted to the unique needs of each project. They have appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and on NPR’S Tiny Desk Concerts. Their recordings include “America at Heart,” “Appalachian Stories,” “Celebrating the American Spirit,” “Cherished Moments,” “Cradle Hymn,” “Holiday Harmonies,” “Rejoice! Honoring the Jewish Spirit,” “May You Heal,” “Washington Women,” “Winter Harmonies,” and “Words Matter.” Conductor Judith Clurman conducts Essential Voices USA, and the Singing Tree Float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her work has received Emmy and Grammy nominations and she has collaborated with the major classical orchestras and conductors of the world. She was Director of Choral Activities at The Juilliard School for 18 years and a faculty member for the National Endowment for the Arts/Columbia University Institute in Classical Music and Opera. Judith currently teaches private and ensemble voice at the Manhattan School of Music.