100 Years of Disney with The King’s Singers Wednesday, October 25, 2023
recommended by Jen Sper and Lisa Springer, School Choral Music Specialists
The King’s Singers celebrate the hundredth anniversary of Disney with “When you wish upon a star,” a joyful album of 25 hit songs drawn from the soundtrack of the past century. They are joined by mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and a host of guest artists in a programme comprising virtuoso close-harmony arrangements freshly commissioned from an international line-up of composers, including John Rutter, Nico Muhly, Alexander L’Estrange, Toby Young, Jim Clements and Jamey Ray. The tracklist embraces songs from nine decades of Disney animation, spanning everything from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) to “Coco” (2017) to evoke memories of childhood for listeners of all ages.
Available for all to sing are these new arrangements:
On My Way (from Brother Bear) arr. Jim Clements, SATTBB a cappella
From the 2003 Disney movie “Brother Bear,” this song with words and music by Phil Collins speaks to the importance of friendship. When a friend is in need, there are no better words to hear than, “I’m on my way.”
When She Loved Me (from Toy Story 2) arr. Philip Lawson, SATTBB a cappella
“Every hour we spent together lives within my heart, when she loved me.” Performed by Sarah McLachlan, this tender ballad from Disney/Pixar’s “Toy Story 2” tugs on the heart strings of young and old with its nostalgic lyrics and memorable melody. Beautifully set for choirs with close a cappella harmonies that evoke the emotion from the film, it will once again be loved by choirs and audiences alike.
You’re Welcome (from Moana) arr. Toby Young, SATTBB a cappella
From the Disney movie “Moana,” and now a part of the new recording of Disney songs by the King’s Singers. This upbeat song in 12/8 is energetic, clever, and especially “virtuosic.” This song may come from a kids’ movie, but this arrangement is not for kids. Even the very best choirs will find this a cappella arrangement most worthy of their attention!
Remember Me (from Coco) arr. Jim Clements, SATTBB a cappella
From the hit animated movie “Coco,” this song is described by the writers as “the tie that binds multiple generations in the shared love of music.” Featured on the new King’s Singers recording of Disney songs, this beautiful lullaby, sung in both Spanish and English, is breathtaking.
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About the Authors:
Jen Sper is a Choral Music Specialist here at Stanton’s Sheet Music. A native of Cincinnati, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now University) Conservatory of Music, and taught 7-12 choir, music theory, class piano, and drama in Southern Ohio before joining the Stanton’s team in 2006. An active choral singer and accompanist throughout the Central Ohio area, Jen can also often be found exploring the exciting restaurant, brewery, and theater scenes in Columbus, wandering through the local metro parks, visiting family around the Great Lakes, or at home with her very friendly cat.
Lisa Springer joined the Stanton’s choral staff in July 2023. She taught middle and high school choirs for 27 years in addition to serving as Artistic Director of the Columbus Women’s Chorus. She holds degrees from Heidelberg University and Cleveland Institute of Music. She has enjoyed an extensive professional singing career and continues to perform in the greater Columbus area. During her free time, she enjoys spending time in southern Ohio playing with her grandchildren.