New York Polyphony

“Polyphony,” in the Oxford English Dictionary, is defined as “harmony, especially the simultaneous and harmonious combination of a number of individual melodic lines.” Boasting a harmony like none other, The New York Polyphony’s next stop will be Phillips Exeter Academy on Friday, October 18.The New York Polyphony is a four-member choral ensemble consisting of countertenor Geoffrey Williams, tenor Steven Wilson, baritone Christopher Herbert, and bass Craig Phillips. The vocal ensemble has been acclaimed by the nation’s major critics, including a recent appraisal by National Public Radio for its “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts.”The ensemble will be featuring the piece "Missa Charles Darwin" composed by Gregory W. Brown '93, with other works.Music department head Peter Schultz noted the special meaning that the New York Polyphony’s concert holds with Exeter and its alumni community.“The piece they will be performing is composed by an alumnus, Greg Brown ’93, who is also Dan Brown’s brother. So, this is also part of an Exeter family connection, continuing the connection of the Brown family with the Academy,” Schultz said. “I believe the piece uses some of the text from Origin of Species, but I’m not sure.”Many students are looking forward to New York Polyphony’s performance on campus. Senior David Gindra, who co-heads PEADQUACS and sings in the Concert Choir, voiced his excitement at the visit.“I really enjoyed when Cantus came, and I’m looking forward to hear the New York Polyphony,” Gindra said. “The fact that it’s four people gives it a more intimate setting than a larger choral group would. You feel more of a connection with the performers in a smaller setting.”Upper Sabrina Movitz appreciated Exeter’s efforts to bring esteemed musicians to the Academy through the Gilbert Concert Series and its funds.“I love that the Gilbert Concert Series in general. They bring professional musicians here, and I think that is great because a lot of aspiring student musicians at Exeter can learn a lot from people who are performing professionally,” Movitz said. “The musicians here, including myself, can learn not just technique, but performance skills from those who perform for a living, and I think that is a valuable experience.”She added, “Knowing who the Gilbert Concert Series has brought in past years, I have no doubt that the New York Polyphony will be amazing.”