Since 1969, The Western Wind, one of America’s premier a cappella singing groups, has shared its pure sound with delighted audiences around the world. Their repertoire reveals wide-ranging musical interests—from Renaissance motets to jazz songs, medieval carols to barbershop quartets, and simple folk melodies to adventurous contemporary works by Phillip Glass, Meredith Monk, and many others.
In addition to maintaining a demanding performance schedule, which has included venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Library of Congress, The Western Wind regularly conducts Workshops in Ensemble Singing. The workshops, attended by vocalists ranging from novice to professional, address the particular challenges of singing in small, largely unconducted ensembles.
As part of their nonprofit mission to spread the joy of music to people of all ages, The Western Wind coordinates a highly-acclaimed arts-in-education program in the New York City public school system called The Western Wind Goes To School for children ages 8–18. The curriculum ranges from the fundamentals of music notation and rhythm to highly refined interpretation of challenging vocal repertoire.
Since 1989, The Western Wind has produced a series of radio programs distributed by National Public Radio and Public Radio International. The programs address topics ranging from settings of love songs throughout the centuries to a musical narrative of the Jewish High Holy Days.
The Western Wind has also produced 19 recordings, 11 of which have been released on Western Wind Records, the group’s own record label.
What People are Saying About The Western Wind
"A kaleidoscopic tapestry of vocal hues."
—New York Times
"Versatility...virtuosity...a stunning concert."
—Los Angeles Times