Skylark Vocal Ensemble shades of blue

World premiere recordings of the choral suites “Hereafter am I" and "Between the shadows" by 4-time Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble Skylark.

2 suites for choir
Recorded by 4-time Grammy-nominee Skylark under the direction of Matthew Guard.

TRACKS

1. Hereafter am I 1. Torch of the past
2. Hereafter am I 2. Beyond the gaze
3. Hereafter am I 3. From this day on
4. Between the shadows 1. When all is said and done
5. Between the shadows 2. I come to you
6. Between the shadows 3. In your dreams
7. Between the shadows 4. Where we live together
8. Between the shadows 5. Hiding between the shadows

Skylark Vocal Ensemble
Matthew Guard, musical director

Clare Brussel: solo on "Hiding between the shadows"

Choral music of Mark Van Overmeire

“Hereafter am I” tells a story of discovery, reckoning, and belonging. We are ushered into this world by an intricate web of far-reaching branches. Molded by our elders, we act and behave, unknowingly to us, in surprisingly similar ways to those who came before us. The search to find out whose footsteps we are following can bring about a sense of belonging; or a reckoning that one has to live with.

“Between the shadows” takes us to a corner deep within ourselves where we find the strength to overcome our doubts and fears. To a place where we can dream about who we want to be. To an understanding that the sacrifices we make are for the greater good. To a purpose that will reveal itself when the time is right. To a destiny that takes our hand and leads the way. See, hear, and listen ...

SKYLARK ARTISTS

Soprano:
Clare Brussel
Erin Matthews
Sarah Moyer
Janet Stone

Alto:
Julia Soojin Cavallaro
Carrie Cheron
Tynan Davis
Megan Roth

Tenor:
Chris Albanese
Andrew Fuchs
Corey Hart
Nathan Hodgson

Bass:
Matthew Goinz
Stephan Griffin
Nathan Halbur
Enrico Lagasca

LINER NOTES

Skylark, one of the world's leading vocal ensembles, blends some of America’s most virtuosic voices into an emotionally impactful and cohesive whole. Through innovative, imaginative, and interdisciplinary programming, Skylark aims to redefine the choral experience for artists and audiences alike. From its “homebase” in Eastern Massachusetts to premiere venues like the Met Cloisters, Spivey Hall, and the Morgan Library, Skylark is setting a global standard in the choral arts.

The ensemble has received four GRAMMY® nominations for outstanding recordings and achieved multiple Billboard Traditional Classical Chart entries with recent albums. Skylark’s GRAMMY®-nominated 2024 album, Clear Voices in the Dark, is the first American recording of Francis Poulenc’s Figure Humaine, paired with songs from the American Civil War Era. The album has been hailed as “inspired” (Gramophone), “otherworldly” (WCRB Boston), “a huge success” (BBC), and “spectacular” (Textura). Skylark's groundbreaking “story score” concept, which integrates narrative with choral music, has transformed the choral experience.

Matthew Guard, Artistic Director

Four-time GRAMMY® Nominee Matthew Guard is quickly earning a reputation as one of the most innovative and thoughtful programmers in American choral music. Praised for his “catalyzing leadership” (Q2/WQXR) and “musically creative and intellectually rich” programming (Opera Obsession), Matthew is passionate about communicating something unique in each concert and recording. He scours the world of available repertoire for each program, exhaustively researches each piece, and crafts concerts and printed programs that captivate audiences with their hidden connections and seamless artistry.

ALBUM INTRODUCTION

When Mark approached Skylark about recording his original compositions, we were honored by his interest in our ensemble. This collaboration offered us a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves completely in one composer's vision — a refreshing departure from our typical programming process.

Mark gave us wonderful freedom to explore his music, trusting our interpretive instincts while guiding us through his distinctive sound world. The emotional landscape of pieces like "Hiding between the shadows" resonated particularly with our ensemble.

Our January 2025 recording session on Cape Cod became a memorable artistic exchange. Mark joined us from Nevada, and alongside producer John Cox, we explored the rich emotional landscapes of these works. The collaborative spirit of those winter days on the Cape infused the recording with a special warmth.

We're grateful to Mark for this artistic partnership and for the chance to help bring his thoughtful compositions to a wider audience..

Matthew Guard, Artistic Director

LYRICS

HEREAFTER AM I

1. Torch of the past

Torch in hand I walk a path that shies away from the light I cast.
My heart tells me I am not the sum of the sins of your past.

At the gate of sorrows I stand, my head held high.
I step out of the shadows, raising my arms to the sky.

From afar a snare drum whispers in my ear what is hard to hear.
My feet go faster and faster, I run to keep my mind clear.

I grasp a chance of hope and will stay on this merry-go-round.
I crawl out of this slope and raise my voice to shout.

It’s my life. It’s my life.
Do you know how I feel? Do you?
It’s my life.
Do you know how I feel?

I hear that your secrets and lies met at the end of a tight rope.
In darkness, the feeble warmth of candlelight helps me to cope.

I show and tell just who I am. This is me in all my glory.
I show and tell just who I am. This is what makes my story.

Here I am before you all, I hear you say that it will not last.
Here I stand and you will see, I will carry the torch of the past.

I grasp a chance of hope and will stay on this merry-go-round.
I crawl out of this slope and raise my voice to shout.

It’s my life. It’s my life.
Do you know how I feel? Do you?
It’s my life.
Do you know how I feel?

Come what may around the corner, I am here and will play my part.
Come what may around the corner, I will listen to my heart.


2. Beyond the gaze

A glimpse of the past. To know who you are. A glimpse back in time.

I want to know. I want to know. To know who you are.

Across time and space, the bond we feel is real.

We are the same, you and me.
Just like a flame that burns for all to see.

A glimpse back in time of you. You are like a dream come true.

I go back in time for you.

I want to know. I want to know. To know who it is you are. To feel alive in what I find.

Beyond the gaze in the old frame. Beyond the stare the past remains.
Beyond the look. Beyond the pose. Beyond the gaze in the old frame.

I go back in time for you.

I want to know. I want to know. To know who it is you are. To feel alive in what I find.

Across time and space, the bond we feel is real.

We are the same, you and me.
Just like a flame that burns for all to see.

I go back in time to know the truth. And you are like a distant dream come true.
I go back in time to know the truth. And you are like a distant dream come true.

Beyond the look. Beyond the pose. Beyond the stare the past remains.
Beyond the look. Beyond the pose. Beyond the gaze in the old frame.

To know who it is you are.

I want to know. I want to know. I go back in time for you. To feel alive in what I find.

Beyond the gaze in the old frame. I see we are the same.

Across time and space I see we are the same.

We are the same. We are the same. We are the same.
Just like a flame. Just like a flame. Just like a flame.

The same.


3. From this day on

It is quite strange how life turns out.
You are like me. That I can see.
One cannot change who oneself is.
We’re what we are. Just like a star.

Do you feel the roots that make you?
Feel the strength that comes through?
Bonded through time. What’s yours is mine.
Bonded through time. You make me shine.

Down memory lane. It’s time to take me back home.
Memory lane. And I will never be alone.
Bonded through time. What’s yours is mine.
Bonded through time. You make me shine.

Turning. Spinning. Endlessly.
Whirling. Reeling. Out of glee.

I walk like you. I talk like you.
From this day on. I am like you.
I think like you. I feel like you.
From this day on. I am like you.

Do you feel the roots that make you?
Feel the strength that comes through?
Bonded through time. What’s yours is mine.
Bonded through time. You make me shine.

Down memory lane. It’s time to take me back home.
Memory lane. And I will never be alone.
From this day on. What’s yours is mine.
From this day on. You make me shine.

Turning. Spinning. Endlessly.
Whirling. Reeling. Out of glee.

I am who I am. It’s what it is.
So true. What else is new?
I am who I am. It’s what it is.
So true. Nothing to do.

Feel the roots that make you?
Feel the strength that comes through?

Bonded through time. What’s yours is mine.
Bonded through time. You make me shine.
From this day on. What’s yours is mine.
From this day on. You make me shine.


BETWEEN THE SHADOWS

1. When all is said and done

Don’t stop. Go on.
Don’t stop. To find your own way.
Don’t stop. Believe.
Don’t stop. Go on.
Don’t stop. So, no need to stay.
Don’t stop. It’s not real.

Don’t stop. Go on.
Don’t stop. To find your own way.
Don’t stop. Believe.
Don’t stop. Just leave.

No need to stay. No need to betray.
So, don’t stop now. Just don’t stop now.
So, don’t stop now. Time moves on.

You don’t hear it. The shadow talks to me here.
It’s far and shallow. It comes closer. Hear?
Why don’t you see?

Between the shadows. I see the light.
Between the shadows. Night turns to day.

I will try to hear it.

Do you hear it? You have to try.
Do you not hear it? You will not cry.

I will find a way out.
There’s nothing to hold me back here. It is time to go.

So, don’t stop. Go on.
Don’t stop. To find your own way.
Don’t stop. Believe.
Don’t stop. Go on.
Don’t stop. So, no need to stay.
Don’t stop. It’s not real.

Don’t stop. Go on.
Don’t stop. To find your own way.
Don’t stop. Believe.
Don’t stop. Just leave.

No need to stay. No need to betray.
So, don’t stop now. Just don’t stop now.
So, don’t stop now. Don’t stop.


2. I come to you

No way out. Is this a dream? No way out. Hard to believe.

Broad daylight. High walls around me. I only follow my shadow.
Talking to myself and walking in circles. I’m staring at the meadow.

No way out and so I ask. Is this a dream?
There’s no way out and so it is just hard to believe.

Look up.

So, no need to get lost inside me.
Better to catch up and light up my soul to get out.
Better not to give up.

Like a frozen statue.
Lost in time and turned to blue.

There’s no way out and so I ask. Is this a dream?
Still no way out and so it is just hard to believe.

Broad daylight and high walls around me. I only follow my shadow.
Talking to myself, walking in endless circles. Close to the meadow.

Do what you have to do. Go on. I will be here and say what’s true.
Go on. Do what you have to do. I will not give up.

No way out and so I ask. Is this a dream?
There's no way out and so it is just hard to believe.

Broad daylight and high walls around me. I only follow my shadow.
Talking to myself, walking in endless circles. Staring at the meadow.

No way out and so I ask. Is this a dream?
Still no way out and so it is just hard to believe.


3. In your dreams

Dream on. Dream on.
I see your face. A warm embrace.

Dream on. Dream on. Dream on.

I see your face. A warm embrace.
I see your face and dream away.

Tell me. Why me?
Tell me. Why me?
Tell me. Why me?
Tell me. Why me?

Dream on. Dream on.

I see your face. A warm embrace.
I see your face and dream away.

I see your face. Gone with no trace.
I see your face. Gone without a trace.

Dream on. Dream on. Dream on.

I see your face. A warm embrace.
I see your face and dream away.

Tell me. Why me?
Tell me. Why me?
Tell me. Why me?
Tell me. Why me?


4. Where we live together

In this song a tale of love is waiting to be told.
But the shades of grey in this story might leave you in the cold.
When it all began the sun was high, the breeze light and fair.
But as day turns night you sensed and felt one had to beware.

It was on a day like any when our gaze made it clear.
We were meant to be together, and it was for all to hear.
Holding hands and feeling high, nothing stood in our way.
It sure was for all to see that our love was here to stay.

Life was grand with joy around, the sky was blue and clear.
Then one day dark clouds came by and a crack starts to appear.
Tension rose and words were told, it ended with a cry.
If not for our endless love, we would’ve said goodbye.

Love takes time, it does take time to love, let us not pretend.
Love should go, it should go on, this is not the end.
Love takes time, it does take time to love, let us not pretend.
Love should go, it should go on, this is not the end.

Time went by and my beauty wilted just like a flower.
It felt like my mind was locked up in an ivory tower.
Promise made, a bond forged, and we went all the way.
All could see our union and it was here to stay.

Life went on with chores around, the sky less blue and clear.
Year by year and day by day, the past yearns to appear.
Feelings hurt when words were told but we won’t and will not cry.
It is fate that led us here and we will never say goodbye.

Love takes time, it does take time to love, let us not pretend.
Love should go, it should go on, until the very end.
Love takes time, it does take time to love, let us not pretend.
Love should go, it should go on, until the end.


5. Hiding between the shadows

Follow me.
And you will see.
Shades of blue.
So clear and true.

Hold my hand.
Take a stand.
Follow the tide.
No need to hide.

Come to me.
Listen and see.
A world so bright.
It turns dark to light.

Follow the tide.
No need to hide.
Between the shadows.
Between the shadows.

CREDITS

Recorded by Luke Damrosch between January 15-17, 2025 at Corpus Christi Parish, Sandwich, Massachusetts, USA

Mixed and edited by Luke Damrosch and Matthew Guard
Mastered by Luke Damrosch

Produced by John K. Cox
Executive Producer: Mark Van Overmeire

Photo Skylark Vocal Ensemble by Michael Justin
CD Cover and Booklet Cover by Matthew Guard
CD Package and Booklet Design by Mark Van Overmeire

A note on Skylark’s approach to music-making
Many members of the ensemble lend their expertise in Skylark’s collaborative artistic environment (creating editions/transcriptions, coaching pronunciation, suggesting repertoire, discussing project concepts, and lending historical/cultural/musical expertise). The creative energy of the entire group shapes our work, and our performances benefit greatly from this spirit of collaboration. Not only are our Skylark artists great voices, they are also great minds and hearts.

Release date: June 6, 2025

Total playing time: 41'17"

Kramúsica 004

© 2025 Mark Van Overmeire (BMI)
℗ Kramúsica Records