Purchase "Eric Whitacre Extravaganza" Download Card

For the first time in its 40-year history, VocalEssence is issuing a live concert recording only three days after the actual performance. The recording is available via digital download, rather than conventional CD format. "Eric Whitacre Extravaganza" was recorded live in concert at Orchestra Hall on Sunday, March 22, 2009 and the recording will be available to download beginning on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

To access the download, you may purchase a card for $15 with a unique code through the VocalEssence website. The card includes directions for downloading the files by entering the code at soundtrax.com. The recording can then be burned to a CD or imported into iTunes and similar audio players.

The performance featured many of Eric Whitacre’s most popular works, including “A Boy and A Girl,” “Water Night,” and “Lux Aurumque,” as well as the world-premiere of “Nox Aurumque” performed by the 32-voice VocalEssence Ensemble Singers and the 75-voice St. Olaf Choir. VocalEssence, The St. Olaf Choir, and the 160-voice Minnesota High School Honors Choir joined forces for two grand finale pieces—the 365 impressive voices performed an exuberant version of “Cloudburst” with its unusual percussive effects followed by the meditative “Sleep.”

See the complete track listing of the "Eric Whitacre Extravaganza" Download Card

“The sellout crowd was on its feet, roaring its approval.” — Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press