Testimonials

New and seasoned…

“Great news!!  My "never heard Harmonium" friend I brought yesterday who is from Manhattan and regularly goes to the Met Opera and other NYC musical venues said:  "This was a wonderful concert by an outstanding chorus.  Count me in for future concerts."  - June 2024

“Dear Anne,

Thank you, Anne, I needed that. I needed the music and the words and the camaraderie. From the mesmerizing quiet, simple, dark opening to the final glorious resurrection And the hopeful music of the young students as well as the renaissance and later composers. And the written program because I will reread the words again for hope. We need to be brave, and the music and the chorus were inspiring.

Thank you all!” - June 2024

“All four of us thoroughly enjoyed every minute and had many of the same comments: sheer perfection, gorgeous blend, hands down the most accomplished, best sounding choral group in the area; likely all of NJ and beyond. I always enjoy and am forever blown away with Dr. Matlack's eclectic selection of rarely, if ever performed repertoire.” - March 2024

“Dear Anne,

Thank you yet again for another incredible Harmonium concert.  How is it that every single concert sustains such a high level of beauty, intellect, and emotion?!  You are truly amazing, Anne, and I once again extend my gratitude to you for your unique ability to gather singers, composers, scores of wonderful scores and share it with our community.   Kudos!!” - March 2022

Audience:  excerpts from survey 2023

….All wonderful. Touched by the opening surround sound and by the sheer size and quality of the sound. The precision!

…everything fantastic, the blend of voices, the surround sound, the power of that evokes emotion.

…..enjoyed the premier. First time to HCS concert. Loved hearing new works

….the majestic sweep of the chorus envelopes you in sound and you are transported, makes you think of something bigger

…very impressed & inspiring. Excellent power of 100 voices

…exceptional, fortunate to have this caliber of talent in our backyard

Our Audience

Our Singers

Families who sing together in Harmonium…

The young person in the family: “I remember sitting in the audience for Harmonium concerts when I was little. I loved the surround-sound pieces and how inviting each concert experience was.  When I got the chance to join, I loved experiencing the welcoming energy from the inside. It made sense that I joined with my mom, since the entire choir felt so familial and warm.”

The parent of the family: “The impact of Harmonium and its members on our family has been profound – it brings them together, encourages each of them to improve their musical skills and knowledge and to be a part of an ensemble. It has provided opportunities and lifelong learning and inspiration."

Harmonium’s concert music is mentally challenging to learn, and singing in different languages is exciting. They love the challenge and exposure of singing such a wide variety of music from diverse cultures, languages, and themes, ranging from early music to premieres of new music from contemporary composers, that Dr. Anne programs into our concerts.

We all agree that music is a higher level of communication, and it is universal – more than anything we do. As my teenager put it: ‘Heartbeats and breath – together as one – lock in tune with each other and it’s a fantastic feeling.’ Making music together, especially singing, where we synchronize on such a basic physical level and on a higher emotional level automatically makes us all friends. Harmonium is like a family where we share in the common goal of bringing beauty and meaning to the lives of our community.”

Long time singers…

“Since 1995, I have spent over one thousand Sunday nights singing with Dr. Anne Matlack, who has been an inspiration to hundreds of other singers, including our children. My family and I have taken six Harmonium international tours, opportunities that have greatly enhanced our children’s perception of the world and the importance of song. I have made lasting friendships and remain in awe of the talents and skills that comprise the Harmonium community, including those of my former students. I am grateful for the chance to have sung diverse repertoire and to have been a choral director to many endearing and gifted young adults.” Linda Clark, music teacher

This was a particularly meaningful concert. When I really consider the texts, “Undivided” explains what Harmonium is all about for me. I have sung in so many choirs and always enjoyed my experiences with each one, but I am particularly grateful to be a part of Harmonium. We truly have something special.”

Rehearsal are fun.

John Wallace, First Prize 2024, Gabriel Tarrow, Second Prize 2024

Our Student Composers

Student winners:

Dale Trumbore was one of the first student composers to win Harmonium’s annual contest to highlight talented young composers in New Jersey. Dale believes this first contest win helped motivate her current success as a professional composer, because the effort offered artistry, collaboration, and self-confidence. Hearing her creation sung publicly for the first time, she says, “set the bar for my future.”

“Hey Mrs. Matlack,

I just wanted to extend a proper thank you to you and everyone else involved with Harmonium. I never fully expressed how meaningful the composition contest was to me. It truly was a beautiful opportunity. The motivation to create and the chance to workshop a piece was all amazing. It’s a lovely program, and it has really helped me develop as a composer, so thank you.” - Winner 2022