Representation

Laude shares FCCLA’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity. The ensemble represents one of the more diverse ensembles in the U.S. today. Their repertoire embraces the intense breadth of vocal music. They approach stylistic diversity with care and intention, acknowledging the ongoing challenges that exist within these goals. They seek leaders from within their ranks to share from their personal experiences and tools. When exploring repertoire outside of their skill sets, they seek input from outside of the group to illuminate the subtleties inherent within the ranks of diversity. 

Performances

Laude leads FCCLA Sunday services, and throughout the year in special concerts. Their vocal flexibility and emotionally-engaging performances create transportive musical atmospheres. In addition to Sunday services, they lead annual events at FCCLA’s including Christmas Eve and the MLK “Fulfilling The Dream” concert, performed with Musica Angelica for the return of the Bach Festival to LA, were featured at the 2022 Western American Choral Directors Association Conference, gave the concert premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s “The Mass” with Martin Sheen as MC, and performed John Sheppard’s “Media Vita” with Monday Evening Concerts. 

Film and Recording

Laude’s live accomplishments are matched by their recording prowess. They are uniquely positioned for film and TV projects. As skilled readers with an intimate ensemble relationship they bring depth quickly to artistic projects. The singers of Laude have expansive vocal tools including capacity in varied styles of singing, and in extended singing techniques like overtone singing, mutliphonic singing, improvisation and more. Music Director, David Harris, leads the voice field in the explanation and application of varied vocal tools. Through his work with Laurel Irene and VoiceScienceWorks, and the N.E.O. Voice Festival with Fahad Siadat, he has elevated discourse for vocalists and composers around the wide capacity of the vocal instrument. David works closely with composers to help create integrated works for whatever project they sing, and has directed on a dozen albums with different ensembles. Laude recorded a staggering 300+ recordings during quarantine including three major works, multiple premieres, and the major work premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s “The Mass” for organ and choir that became their first album. They appear in multiple episodes of CBS’s “Strange Angel”, and are featured in Jackson Greenberg’s score for Barlow Jacob’s film “The Voyage Out.”

Premieres and Contemporary Composers

Laude specializes in contemporary choral music and premieres of new choral works. Their unique vocal talents are matched by their interpretive passion. Music Director, David Harris, has premiered hundreds of pieces throughout his career. He is adept at working closely with composers and ensembles to find the creative centers of new compositions. The pieces that Laude premieres feel vibrantly new and convincingly established. In addition to performing known contemporary works, they have brought pieces into the world by composers including Saunder Choi, B.E. Boykin, David García Saldaña, Fahad Siadat, Molly Pease, David Harris, David Saul Lee, Joseph Rubenstein, Judy A. Rose, Jonathan David, Damion Geter, Kelly McCandless, Nick Strimple, Shawn Kirchner and Patrick Cassidy. By consistently creating new work, Laude aligns with First Church’s desire to lead into a progressive future. Their relationship with today’s creative voices feeds into their exploration of older works, giving their performances of pieces from different time periods vibrancy and newness.