​Résonance

Résonance is a premier vocal ensemble, comprised of multi-talented, professional singers from the area, whose mission is to engage, inspire and challenge those we encounter through eclectic and innovative vocal music performances and compelling collaborations. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the organization was founded in 2012 by three inspired sopranos who saw the need for a collaborative ensemble of its kind. Under the leadership of its first music director, Kevin Smith, Résonance grew from eight singers to a performing ensemble of 16 singers. Currently under the direction of A. Barron Breland, Résonance boasts a roster of more than 40 versatile, committed vocal artists who tell compelling stories through song. The ensemble believes that all vocal and choral music is, at its heart, about telling stories, and therefore undertakes a wide range of repertoire – regardless of genre or content – to provide uncommonly varied experiences for its audiences. The approach to preparation and performance is twofold. First, anything sung should be sung beautifully, with full sound and well-grounded vocal technique that includes a rich, sonorous auditory resonance. Second, the human essence in every work must be conveyed effectively to the audience, enabling them to experience what we call “emotional resonance”. In striving towards and achieving these goals, the Résonance ensemble provides a special musical transcendence.

Guiding Résonance since 2015, Maestro Breland also serves as chair of the fine and performing arts and is associate professor of music at Creighton University, as well as artistic director of the River City Mixed Chorus. His experience includes work with many award-winning ensembles around the country. Breland is joined by the award-winning composer and pianist/organist Mark Kurtz as the associate music director and collaborative pianist. Kurtz serves as director of music ministries at First United Methodist Church in Omaha.

As a launch to the 10th anniversary season, in October 2022, Résonance introduced the inaugural Résonance Festival Choir comprised of community, students and professional singers from the community focused on singing choral-orchestral works. Together with the Résonance Consort the choir performed to a sold-out audience of Mozart's final masterpiece, Requiem.

June 2020 marked the release of their premiere album Pilgrimage - A Journey in Choral Music on MSR Classics by recording engineer Jamey Lamar. The album is available now wherever music is sold. Watch the music video! ​Additional achievements include a commissioned work, for which composer Mark Kurtz was recognized with the American Guild of Organists in 2016.

Since 2016, Résonance has engaged four area high school students as young artists in the concert season, providing the apprentices the tools and resources to establish a professional career in singing. In the fall of 2019, Résonance premiered the Consort, an instrument ensemble comprised of talented young artists and professionals from the area, in partnership with the Omaha Conservatory of Music.

The voices of Résonance have performed under the direction of a variety of esteemed vocal arts specialists such as Emmy- and Grammy-nominated choral specialist Judith Clurman, international conductor Thiago Tiberio, international composer/conductor Andy Brick; world-renowned organist and choral master Tom Trenney; conductor, composer and educator Ernest Richardson; opera music director and producer J. Gawf; and vocal expert and collaborative pianist John J. Bennett. In 2015, the singers performed under the baton of conductor Thomas Wilkins, music director of the Omaha Symphony and principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In 2016, the ensemble premiered at the Nebraska Choral Directors Association Summer Conference. The summer of 2019 concluded with a performance of the Mozart Great Mass in C minor in Steamboat Springs, Colo., with the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the Holy Name Concert Series.

Résonance has worked with a variety of critically acclaimed stage directors, Broadway performer and directors Stephen Nachamie, Michael Shawn Lewis and the critically acclaimed director and choreographer Parker Esse for the Omaha Symphony's annual multi-performance run of Christmas Celebration. Local projects include collaborations with Francis Sillau, Courtney Cairncross Stein, Carrie Nath, Joel Johnston, Melanie Walters, Roxanne Nielsen, Debbie Massey-Schneweis and T. Adam Goos.

Résonance is frequently featured in a variety of capacities with the Omaha Symphony, as the chorus for Stravinsky's Mass, or performing alongside Broadway artists and directors in a semi-staged production of South Pacific. In 2015, Résonance was featured on the Brownville Concert Series 25th Anniversary Christmas Gala, joining talented Broadway voices and the Emmy-award winner historian and author John Fricke. Recent collaborations include engagements with Omaha Conservatory of Music, Opera Omaha, Renaissance Festival of Nebraska, Holiday Lights Festival, Sarpy County Museum, Omaha Consort, Rangbrook Ensemble, Pizza Shoppe Collective, and as featured ensemble with the concert series at the College of Saint Mary and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

​Résonance is a featured performer with Gallup, Inc. at their world Gallup at Work Summit, where leaders from around the world share their experiences and strategies for empowering people and making the most of CliftonStrengths.

Résonance is in residence at SNJ Studio of Music and works in collaboration with the Omaha Conservatory of Music.