Antioch debuted at the gala opening of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in 1997, and quickly emerged as one of the New York Metropolitan area’s finest vocal ensembles. In recent seasons, critics have called Antioch “stellar,†“flawless,†“an exceptional group,†and "a spectacular example of what a classical choir should sound like." Seeking to present as diverse a program as possible of the world’s greatest choral literature, both sacred and secular, Antioch has performed works ranging from William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices to Brahms’ Liebeslieder Waltzes to Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir, with a core group of only ten to twelve singers.
Since their debut as the ensemble-in-residence at Trinity Church, Wall Street in 2001, Antioch’s performance highlights have included feature performances for Carnegie Hall’s Neighborhood Concert Series, the Trinity Wall Street “Noon-Day†Concert Series in New York, and a tour of Nova Scotia, including a performance for the Nautilus Music Festival. In May of 2005, they appeared for the fourth year in a row at the renowned Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina for the “Spotlight on Choral Music†series. Highlights of their 2005-2006 season include a performance for the ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) eastern conference in New York City and the recording of their highly anticipated second album. As part of their commitment to music education, Antioch also conducts master classes for young choral artists, such as the Bernardsville High School Madrigal Ensemble in Bernardsville, New Jersey.
The 2006-2007 season mark Antioch’s fourth season as ensemble-in-residence at Calvary Church in Summit, New Jersey. The debut of their independent “Concerts at Calvary†series in 2003 was met with acclaim by Classical New Jersey, which raved, “The intonation was pure, the blend exquisite, the voices ethereal in the church's sympathetic acoustics.†Further, Antioch’s first full-length recording, Winter Songs, featuring the Mid-Winter Songs by contemporary American composer Morten Lauridsen, was released in December of 2003. Mr. Lauridsen has said of the recording, “Antioch is certainly in the top rank of a cappella choirs in the United States… I recommend this CD most highly, especially to choral aficionados.â€
The exceptional musicians who comprise Antioch are music educators and singers who have performed with ensembles such as the Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Vox Vocal Ensemble, Cantori New York, Philadelphia’s Bridge Ensemble, and the world-renowned Westminster Choir. They are led by artistic director Joshua Copeland.
