Classical Californians: Iris Levine

Iris Levine - USC Thornton School

Iris Levine is the founder and Artistic Director of LA-based VOX Femina, a women's choral ensemble with the mission of giving more people a voice. Today on Classical Californians, Levine shares music from VOX and pieces that helped her find her own musical voice, including Bernstein's Chichester Psalms, Tchaikovsky's 1st Piano Concerto, an arrangement of Lift Every Voice and Sing, and several new works.

If you're in LA on November 3rd, catch the launch of VOX's 28th season at the Colburn School's Zipper Concert Hall. Hear Andrea Ramsey's emotionally charged "Suffrage Cantata," along with other pieces that celebrate the bravery required to create change.

Here are her selections:

Elaine Hagenburg’s By Night: VOX Femina; Iris Levine, conducting; Lisa Edwards, pianist 

Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms: Leonard Bernstein, conducting; Israel Philharmonic; soloists from Vienna Boys’ Choir 

Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto #1 (Movement 2): Martha Argerich, pianist; Charles Dutoit conducting Royal Philharmonic. 

Elaine Hagenburg’s Measure Me, Sky: VOX Femina; Iris Levine, conducting; Lisa Edwards, pianist 

(arr. Zanaida Robles) Lift Every Voice and Sing: VOX Femina; Iris Levine, conducting; Lisa Edwards, pianist