The Choir

Commotio was formed in August 1999 to promote neglected contemporary choral repertoire. The choir draws on the musical talents of Oxford residents and students, selecting members by audition. Although mainly a cappella, Commotio has worked with emerging instrumentalists such as Rosie Banks (cellist). The size of the choir moulds to the repertoire but is usually between 24 and 30 singers.

The Conductor

Matthew Berry was Organ Scholar at University College, Oxford in 1995-1999 after which he completed a postgraduate diploma in choral con-ducting at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Patrick Russill. His special interest lies in finding music unknown to UK audiences such as works by Ambrož Čopi and Jaakko Mäntyjärvi.

The Repertoire

Recent performances have included Eric Whitacre’s When David Heard and the Première of Cowie’s _Four Seasons_ (commissioned jointly for Commotio and the Choir of the 21st Century).
Commotio also promotes and performs the works of a younger generation of composers, most recently Ruth Byrchmore, Tarik O’Regan, Robert Fokkens, John Duggan and Alexander Campkin. Commotio supports the latest generation of composers, showcasing new works by final year students at the Royal Academy of Music.
Commotio’s recent recordings have met critical and public acclaim. _Ubi Caritas_ by Richard Allain (recorded on _Night_ in 2007) was selected by Classic FM for their compilation album, _Smooth Classics: The Ultimate Collection_ and has been on their playlist for over 3 years. Commotio’s CD of music by James Whitbourn, _Luminosity_, released in 2010 reached No. 2 in the Specialist Classical Chart and has been played on radio stations worldwide. Commotio’s latest recording of works by Francis Pott (including the _Mass for 8 voices_, commissioned for the choir) will be released in February 2012, and has already had great reviews.

“as a supreme choral polyphonist Pott can build up an agitated climax with the best of them - but it is those melting moments of repose which are especially telling and memorable...Grace Davidson floats effortlessly above the Oxford-based choir, adding her seraphic poise to their perfect intonation...this is a powerful disc of important music.” Gramophone Magazine, February 2012