On American Shores
The Music of Veljo Tormis Sung in English
Portland State Chamber Choir
Directed by Bruce Browne

In 2003 Estonian Composer Veljo Tormis heard the Portland State Chamber Choir while they were on tour in his country. Tormis was so taken with the brilliant artistry and expressive power of the ensemble he requested that Bruce Browne and his singers do a CD of his music sung in English.

For almost two years the Singers, their conductor and the composer worked together on this project. Tormis was very prominent in the interpretation. He supervised the learning of the music in preparation for the Chamber Choir’s appearance at the Northwest Convention of the American Choral Director’s Association 2006. Veljo Tormis, On American Shores is a recording with a significance of strong integrity by both composer and artist.

Veljo Tormis (b. 1930) is considered one of the preeminent composers of Baltic choral music. “I do not use folk song, it is folk song that uses me. To me, folk music is not a means of self-expression: on the contrary, I feel the need to express the essence of folk music, its spirit, meaning and form”. (Veljo Tormis) Tormis believes that every listener should have the opportunity to hear his music in the vernacular. He says that this greatly helps the understanding of his music.

Bruce Browne is emeritus Professor of Music and Choir of the Vocal and Choral area at Portland State University. He is also Conductor Emeritus of the Portland Symphonic Choir and founder and director of the professional choir, Choral Cross-Ties. The Portland State Chamber Choir is recognized as one of the top University Chamber ensembles in the United States.