A description of who we are and what we do

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In a Nutshell

Cappella Gloriana is the collaborative brainchild of its co-directors, Stephen Sturk and Virginia Sublett. Their idea was to bring together their professional colleagues, soloists with a passion for choral music, and promising young singers in an a cappella ensemble devoted to the performance of the finest and most demanding choral repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day. Its initial performances took place in the summer of 1996. The group has been an active part of the San Diego vocal music scene ever since.

History

In its early days, the ensemble focused on presenting concerts that paired works of the English Tudor period with music of the 20th century. It soon widened its scope to include repertoire from the Baroque and Romantic periods as well as world premieres. The ensemble is especially committed to the music of living American composers.

Cappella Gloriana made its first European tour as the featured artists at a 2003 festival in Gehren, Germany that honors Johann Michael Bach (J.S.¡Çs uncle). The group also presented concerts in Jena. Ilmenau, the Arnstadt Bach-Kirche (Johann Sebastian Bach's first organ position), and Dornheim (in the church where he was married).

The ensemble traveled again to Germany in 2005 performing in Berlin, Wittenberg (Schlosskirche), Leipzig (Thomaskirche, where J.S. Bach was music-master for 27 years), Jena, Gotha, Meiningen (Dreissigaker), Erfurt (Dom), and Dornheim. Cappella Gloriana also returned to Gehren for a festival commemorating that city’s 900th anniversary.

In recognition of their contribution to the cultural scene in San Diego, Cappella Gloriana was invited to become an ensemble-in-residence at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, San Diego, in 2004. In 2006 Cappella Gloriana also became an ensemble-in-residence at St. Andrew¡Çs Episcopal Church, Encinitas, California. Both churches serve as regular rehearsal and concert venues.

In 2005 Cappella Gloriana was awarded a grant from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music to sponsor a competition (2006) for new American choral works. More than 54 contest entries were received from 24 different states, plus Puerto Rico and Canada. The winning compositions will be featured on an upcoming CD release. Cappella Gloriana currently has three CD recordings available.