December 2015
As Tucson’s only GRAMMY- and EMMY-honored ensemble, True Concord Voices & Orchestra stands at the forefront of classical music performance, thrilling audiences with innovative programming and a commitment to both timeless and contemporary works. With a deep connection to its community, True Concord’s influence stretches far beyond the concert hall—into national and international arenas—where it continues to elevate Tucson’s cultural identity through its captivating performances.
A Unique and Celebrated Ensemble
Founded in 2004, True Concord began as Tucson Chamber Artists and has since evolved into a critically acclaimed professional chamber choir and orchestra that has earned recognition for its distinctive voice and artistic excellence. The ensemble’s commitment to offering innovative programming and performing some of the finest works from both renowned composers and emerging artists has solidified True Concord as a central player in Southern Arizona’s classical music scene.
Under the guidance of Eric Holtan, the organization has gained recognition for its performances of celebrated masterworks and modern-day compositions. True Concord’s wide-ranging repertoire spans from the grandeur of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Mozart’s Requiem to the more contemporary voices of Jake Runestad and Jocelyn Hagen.
Building a Legacy of Music and Collaboration
What sets True Concord apart from other ensembles is its deep commitment to both masterworks and the music of today’s leading composers. Recent performances include works by Brahms, Haydn, Vivaldi, and John Rutter. One of the group’s key initiatives has been the commissioning of new works, ensuring that the music of living composers remains a vital part of its repertoire. Composers such as Stephen Paulus, Ola Gjeilo, and Paul Crabtree have contributed compositions that are now part of True Concord’s regular performances, enriching Tucson’s cultural offerings.
Notably, after the tragic death of Stephen Paulus, True Concord launched the Stephen Paulus Emerging Composers Competition, a national initiative designed to honor his legacy of nurturing young composers. This competition has helped elevate the next generation of musical voices, while also reinforcing True Concord’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of classical music.
Collaborative Efforts: Expanding Horizons
True Concord is not only dedicated to its own performances but also to collaborations with other outstanding performing ensembles and arts organizations. Some of the notable partners include the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Cantus, Arizona Choir, Tucson Boys Chorus, and UA Dance. By joining forces with these groups, True Concord brings its music to wider audiences and strengthens its influence in the classical music community.
The ensemble also regularly invites internationally known soloists to perform alongside its musicians. Some of the distinguished artists who have graced the stage with True Concord include Kelley O’Connor, Morris Robinson, Jubilant Sykes, and Susanna Phillips.
Milestones and Achievements
In 2015, True Concord reached a significant milestone with its debut performance at New York City’s Lincoln Center at Alice Tully Hall. The concert featured the commissioned work *Prayers and Remembrances* by Stephen Paulus, which was released as part of their Far in the Heavens CD. That year, the CD earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Choral Performance, with Paulus’s work winning the GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Classical Composition.
True Concord’s commitment to excellence continues with other recent and upcoming recordings, including Christmas With True Concord: Carols in the American Voice and A Dream So Bright: Choral Music of Jake Runestad. These recordings highlight True Concord’s role in bringing world premieres and new music to the forefront of classical music.
A Vision for the Future
As True Concord enters its third decade of performance, the ensemble remains committed to expanding its reach and enriching the lives of audiences for generations to come. The Board of Directors and Music Director Eric Holtan have outlined a vision for building a lasting organization that serves as a national treasure in the classical music world, creating transformative experiences through music.
True Concord’s Philosophy: More Than Just a Name
The name “True Concord” is inspired by the words of Shakespeare in his poem about music, where he speaks of the “true concord of well-tuned sounds.” This poetic phrase encapsulates what the ensemble strives to achieve: moments when the musicians and audience come together, united by the power of music. The term “concord” is derived from the 14th-century Old French meaning “hearts together,” which perfectly describes True Concord’s philosophy of shared emotion and collective experience in each performance.
Eric Holtan, True Concord’s Music Director, sums it up: “True Concord is more than just a name; it is a concept, a place, and an experience. It represents the power of shared emotions during concerts. We perform glorious music, but what keeps our audience returning is the inspiration they feel from experiencing our music.”
Conclusion: The Heart of Tucson’s Arts Scene
As True Concord Voices & Orchestra continues to grow, its commitment to Tucson and Southern Arizona remains unchanged. From its world-class performances to its educational programs and commissions, the organization has become an essential part of Tucson’s cultural identity. Looking forward, True Concord aims to continue its mission of enriching lives through music, expanding its influence both locally and nationally.