Celebrating the centenary of Aaron Copland's birth, Gloriæ Dei Cantores presents a broad spectrum of choral music by Aaron Copland and Virgil Thomson. These two musical giants exemplified the ideals of American culture and established a truly American style for music. The centrepiece for this recording is the first American recording in many years of Copland's choral masterpiece In the Beginning, featuring American mezzo-soprano Luretta Bybee. Also included are Thomson's beloved Four Southern Hymns and some of his fascinating early works written during his sojourn in Paris, and a selection of vibrant choral arrangements of Copland's Old American Songs.


Gloriæ Dei Cantores (Singers to the Glory of God), holds a passionate dedication to illuminate truth and beauty through choral artistry, celebrating a rich tradition of sacred choral music from Gregorian chant through the twenty-first century. Currently under the direction of Richard K. Pugsley, Gloriæ Dei Cantores has received critical acclaim for its artistic elegance, performance authenticity, and compelling spirituality. Sharing its vision of inspiration and hope, the choir has toured extensively, touching the hearts of audiences in twenty-four countries in Europe, Asia, and N.America. Its discography of over fifty recordings is distributed internationally through ParacleteRecordings, a division of Paraclete Press, Inc., and NAXOS, Inc. The choir makes its home in Orleans, MA.