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Reviews from the Ladyslipper Inc. Catalogue
Olympia's Daughters
- Deep Peace
This inspiring women's acappella vocal ensemble began as a 9-member group in 1989,
primarily singing rounds as a guest choir for the First Unitarian Society, and has evolved
into a 27-member performance and touring ensemble that presents complex, moving and
entertaining music. Their name honors Olympia Brown, mother, businesswoman and suffragist
who in 1863 became the first ordained female Universalist minister. Their goal is to carry
on her commitment to social causes and women's empowerment through the spiritual message
of their music by challenging attitutes, fostering healing, and building bridges between
communities. To that end, this 1997 release includes excellent material by Carolyn McDade,
Carole Etzler Eaglehart, Ysaye Barnwell, Fred Small, Thomas Dorsey, their director Penny
Gnesin, and Hildegard von Bingen... spiritual, feminist, conscious and recommended!
Olympia's Daughters
- Winter
Solstice Live!
This 20+-voice acappella women's ensemble, with Unitarian-Universalist roots, presents a
most excellent 1998 recording in celebration of the Winter Solstice. In the Libana
tradition, the 20 rounds, chants, songs and carols come from a wide variety of sources,
from early Renaissance to contemporary: Hungarian folk melody, Welsh, African, 16th
century Spanish villancico, e.e. cummings, Linda Hirschhorn, Jan Harmon (Libana fans will
recognize her name) and even some originals. And they've altered some lyrics and pronouns
on a few traditional tunes here, such as Good Rest Ye (Merry Gentlefolk) in which
the Christmas-specific references are changed to Winter and Solstice ones. The sound is
harmonious and festive, and makes a great alternative to traditional holiday music; highly
recommended!
Olympia's Daughters
- How Can I
Keep From Singing 
An inspiring and uplifting collection that reminds us that we can make it through hard
times, this 2000 release contains music from 2 of this NJ ensemble's favorite music
programs and worship services. "Music from Living Song" is full of fun tunes
that awaken the heart and spirit, such as Welcome Table, Vine and Fig Tree, Old Time
Religion, Freedom Is Coming. "Songs for Survival" honors the memory of the
Vocal Orchestra that was created in a WWII concentration camp for women in Sumatra. Captive
Hymn and Chopin's Prelude in C Minor come directly from that Vocal Orchestra,
while selections such as the title track and Something Inside So Strong are songs
that have helped the chorus members get through their own hard times.
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