Critical Mass Vocal Artists
Experience the harmonious world of Critical Mass Vocal Artists (CMVA) for an evening of choral brilliance! This semi-professional ensemble, featuring the finest trained singers from the Treasure Valley, masterfully performs contemporary octavo literature under the direction of Dr. C. Michael Porter.
CMVA sets the standard for chamber choir excellence in Southern Idaho, enriching the community through choral music, educational outreach, and unforgettable performances. Let these talented singers, many of whom are also music educators, inspire you with a diverse and exquisite repertoire, creating an enchanting journey through the world of choral music.
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History
Critical Mass stemmed from a desire for choral excellence in the Treasure Valley. What started as a thought from Dr. Giselle Wyers and Dr. Christopher Raynes in the mid-1990s soon grew into reality under the direction of Dr. Bruce Browne and Dr. Christopher Raynes. Under their direction, Critical Mass brought together many of the Northwest’s leading choral singers to perform challenging and inspiring works from the choral canon.
The ensemble entered a new chapter in 2012 when Dr. C. Michael Porter joined as co-artistic director. During this period, Critical Mass grew both in its singer roster and in the number of concerts performed. Critical Mass was now a consistent musical ensemble within the Treasure Valley arts community. Their musical excellence was recognized several times by the Idaho American Choral Directors Association.
In 2017, Mark Junkert—Opera Idaho’s General Director at the time—approached Dr. Porter with the idea of bringing Critical Mass under the Opera Idaho organizational umbrella. This partnership proved immensely successful as the mission and vision of these two organizations were in tandem. Along with this merger also came a new branding of the chorus—thus becoming Critical Mass Vocal Artists (CMVA).
CMVA has since then flourished under Opera Idaho’s structure. CMVA received an Honorable Mention in the 2022 National American Prize for Professional Choruses and continues to be featured at Idaho American Choral Directors Association conferences and during Boise’s annual Music Week. Past highlights from CMVA seasons include the Idaho premiere of Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard, J. S. Bach’s B minor Mass, Bernstein’s Mass, and Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil.
Critical Mass [noun]
- The minimum size or amount of something required to start or maintain a venture.
- A term we’ve redefined to describe a group of Idaho singers working together to create choral excellence.
Auditions
If you are interested in auditioning for Critical Mass Vocal Artists, please contact Artistic Director, Dr. Michael Porter at michael@operaidaho.org.
Critical Mass Vocal Artists (CMVA) is a professional choral ensemble consisting of trained singers in the Treasure Valley that produces excellent choral music focusing on contemporary octavo literature of a high caliber along with educational outreach, directed by Dr. Michael Porter.
To audition, prepare a selected song of your choice—a pianist will be provided. In addition, there will be a short sight reading and tonal memory exercise. You will sing your appropriate vocal line to a provided musical selection, which will be sent to you after you schedule your audition.
