Album Notes

"In 1999, after singing the Terezín Ghetto Requiem, I was approached by a man from the audience-a Holocaust survivor. He was visibly shaken. "Aren't you Japanese?" he asked. "You, a Japanese-American, singing these songs in Latin and Hebrew about people put in camps-do you understand? After what America did to your people, the Japanese, during World War II? Do you get it?" I got it. Then, later that year, I was given the honor to sing for the dedication of the Japanese-American War Memorial in Washington, D.C. These two synchronistic experiences planted the seeds for the making of Song of Witness, which was debuted in March of 2002. After 9/11, it was my turn to be shaken by the music and words of Stefania de Kenessey and Dana Gioia in Autumn Elegy who both so vividly captured the resiliency of the human spirit. This CD is dedicated to all those who have suffered and have never let their spirit be broken"
C.N., December 2003

Christòpheren Nomura (Baritone) Recognized as one of classical music's "rising stars" by the Wall Street Journal and "faces to watch" by the Boston Globe, is one of America's leading young baritones in opera, recital, chamber music and oratorio. He has performed for US Presidents at the White House, significant world leaders including Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II and has traveled worldwide as US ambassador for the Arts.

Stefania de Kenessey (Composer, Autumn Elegy) is a leading figure in the current revival of Neoclassicism; her music is performed regularly in Europe, Australia, Singapore and China as well as throughout the United States.

David Alpher (Composer, Song of Witness / Piano, Autumn Elegy) David Alpher's compositions have been performed or recorded by prominent artists such as Garrison Keillor, Flute Force, and the Verdehr Trio, in addition to Christòpheren Nomura. As a collaborative pianist, Mr. Alpher has recorded and appeared in concert with numerous artists including Thomas Hampson and Marilyn Horne.

Sylvie Bodorová (Composer, Terezín Ghetto Requiem) is a member of the eminent group of four Czech composers, 'Quattro'. In addition, she chairs the committee of the foundation of the Czech performing rights society, OSA. Ms. Bodorová's work incorporates her knowledge of the European avant-garde, the Polish School, and her own Hungarian roots.

Established in 2003, Center Stage Records is an independent recording label owned and operated by three industry professionals. Dedicated to capturing the essence of live performance, CSR targets established artists and innovative projects. CSR ensures complete quality control by personally handling projects conception, production and marketing.