Commotio (Oxford-based choir)

Commotio is an Oxford-based chamber choir formed in August 1999 to promote neglected contemporary choral repertoire.

History

Its conductor (and founder) is Matt Berry. Matt studied music at University College, Oxford, where he was Organ Scholar and then Assistant Organist. He has studied organ under David Sanger, David Goode and Ian Curror, and choral direction with Patrick Russill.

Commotio's performances have included the 2nd UK concert performance of Alfred Schnittke's Requiem, the World Première of Pierre Villette’s Inviolata and Peter Klatzow’s Prayers and Dances from Africa.

Commotio also promotes and performs the works of a younger generation of composers, most recently Jonathan Bridcut, Richard Allain, Mihyun Woo, Robert Fokkens, John Duggan and Alexander Campkin.

Commotio's debut CD of South African choral music was released in February 2006, followed by a CD for Choir and Cello in February 2008. A track from the latter disc, Richard Allain’s Ubi caritas, was chosen to feature on the Classic FM core playlist and appears in the compilation CD Smooth Classics – the Ultimate Collection. A CD of the music of James Whitbourn was released on the Naxos label in February 2010.

Commotio has commissioned Oxford composer John Duggan, and Richard Allain, and most recently Edward Cowie.

Performances

World premières

Written for the choir ^*

European premières

UK premières

Other significant performances

Commercial Recordings

External links

• Commotio's website
• Commotio on Facebook
• Choir bio
• Naxos – artist information
• Classics Online