Album Notes

Please note! to listen, use the "Play all songs broadband" or "Play all songs dial-up"!!! This will give you a much better sound quality than clicking on the arrows next to the selections. The arrows give you a "mono" not stereo sound, and since this was recorded in a basilica with amazing acoustic, you need to hear it stereo!!

REVIEW in ON THE TOWN December 2008 issue
Finally there is a recording that captures just how beautiful Diane Penning’s voice
Really is. A mixture of classic sacred music and favorite songs and spirituals, you can’t
Help but be moved by Penning from the opening “O Magnum Mysterium” to the finale, a haunting rendition of “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” that had me hitting the replay button quite a few times.
Another track not to miss is composer Nicholas Palmer’s arrangement of “Gloria,” which features Palmer, violinist Cameron Warne, and flutist Karen Betz performing on a Greiwahn flute. The
light , playfulness of the flute against the piano and violin evoke delightful images of laughter and dance.
If you’re looking for a little escape from all that is happening in the world right now or just want something to soothe the soul this holiday season, I think Sacred Space would certainly fit the bill. A- Joanne n. bailey

“clear, free flying and of exciting timbre”
“thrilling…exquisite…with gorgeous top notes.”

Soprano Diane Penning’s breathtaking voice invites the listener to enter a richly transcendent place. Enveloped by the ethereal, this music allows the individual to experience profound parts of themselves, quenching the deepest thirst. Recorded live in an historic domed basilica of soaring spaces, these hand selected classic sacred songs like Bach-Gounod’s “Ave Maria” and Mortem Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium” as well as chants and spirituals elicit an opening of the spirit and an inclusive communion with the Divine.
Equally at home in classical repertoire and pops, Diane has performed with orchestras around the country, with some in programs of both genres. She has also performed numerous opera and musical theatre roles and done extensive work in oratorio literature. Her renditions of soaring spiritual or inspirational numbers often included in her orchestra programs consistently evoke a deeply-felt response from audiences. This notable fact and the desire to share these experiences was the catalyst for creating this CD.
Along with composer/performer Nicholas Palmer, a collection of some of sacred music’s most gorgeous and moving vocal solos was collected and recorded. Included are some vocals and instrumentals based on ancient chants arranged by Nicholas Palmer as well as two spirituals, profoundly moving in their simplicity. Much of the vocals are in Latin, the language which saints and mystics have used for centuries to connect with God. Diane clarifies: “for me, singing in Latin is conducive to a spirit of open-ness and meditation. Though I know the translations of the Latin that I am singing, there isn’t the running commentary and observation from my mind which my native language would elicit. There is only God and space, with no boundaries or limitations.”
May this collection be an instrument of peace for any who listen...