Various Composers - Dialogue (NFM Choir; Lionel Sow)

Information

1. Krzysztof Penderecki - Pieśń Cherubinów
2. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: I. Dialogue
3. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: II. La voix du bien-aimé
4. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: III. Le songe
5. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: IV. Le roi Salomon
6. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: V. Le jardin clos
7. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: VI. La Sulamite
8. Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur - Le Cantique des cantiques: VII. Épithalame
9. Krzysztof Penderecki - Stabat Mater
10. Caroline Marçot - Nigra sum
11. Krzysztof Penderecki - O gloriosa virginum
12. Francis Poulenc - Salve Regina, FP 110
13. Krzysztof Penderecki - Agnus Dei
14. Olivier Messiaen - O sacrum convivium!

NFM Choir

Lionel Sow, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: Alpha Classics

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The NFM Choir presents a program that creates a dialogue between Polish and French 20th-century sacred choral music under the direction of French conductor Lionel Sow, who has led the ensemble since 2021. The repertoire juxtaposes works by Krzysztof Penderecki, including Le Chant des chérubins, Stabat Mater, and Agnus Dei, with compositions by French composers such as Yves Daniel-Lesur, Francis Poulenc, and Olivier Messiaen, as well as works by Caroline Marçot. Across these pieces, themes of simplicity, contemplation, and sacred expression emerge, bridging stylistic and historical divides between Eastern and Western European choral traditions.

The NFM Choir, founded in 2006 by Andrzej Kosendiak, has established itself as one of Europe’s leading professional vocal ensembles, performing a wide repertoire ranging from a cappella works to large-scale oratorios, operas, and symphonic pieces. Initially directed for 15 years by Agnieszka Franków-Żelazny, it has been led since 2021 by Artistic Director Lionel Sow. The choir has collaborated with major conductors including Zubin Mehta, Kirill Petrenko, and Krzysztof Penderecki, and has performed at prestigious venues such as the Berliner Philharmonie, Royal Albert Hall, and the Philharmonie de Paris. It is also active in major international festivals and is known for premiering contemporary works by leading composers.