The Esoterics in the media
Radio
- KOMO 1000 Interview (MP3)
April 17, 2008 – KOMO 1000
Eric Banks is interviewed about the Quindecima concert
- Sound Focus – Eric Banks on Zoroastrianism
October 17, 2007 – KUOW-NPR
Some of humanity’s oldest spiritual texts inspire the work of Seattle composer and conductor Eric Banks. In his musical research Eric travels to the city of Bombay, India where practioners of Zoroastrianism gather for rituals and chants that date back 4,000 years. Eric is the artistic director of the Seattle Choral Ensemble the Esoterics. The Zoroastrian sounds and teachings shape Eric’s own life and music.
- KOMO 1000 Interview
July 11, 2007 – KOMO 1000
It is groundbreaking music, sung by local people and this weekend ‘The Esoterics’ will be showing ‘Courage in the Face of Adversity.’ The founding director of The Esoterics, Eric Banks, joined Eric Solcum and Lisa Brooks in the KOMO studios to talk about this weekend’s upcoming concerts in Seattle and West Seattle.
- KOMO 1000 Interview (MP3)
May 2, 2007 – KOMO 1000
Eric Banks is interviewed about the Mandala concert
- The Beat – The Esoterics/Eric Banks/Musical adventures in India
August 22, 2006 – KUOW-NPR
Eric Banks is a composer, singer, music historian, linguist and international traveler. He directs the Seattle a capella chorus, The Esoterics. He tells us how the languages, cultures and musical experiences of India are shaping his work.
Publications
- Multilingual, multicultural — the Esoterics do some globe-hopping with their choral sound
August 5, 2010 – The Seattle Times
- The Esoterics sustain perfect pitch, perfect penitence in Kanon – REVIEW
February 3, 2008 – The News Tribune
- 2007: Classical’s Short, Sweet Best List [Best idea]
December 26, 2007 – Seattle Weekly
- Muslim-inspired Esoterics show moving
October 21, 2007 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Esoterics step outside for a Muslim-inspired concert
October 18, 2007 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Esoterics choral group will perform Islamic texts
October 12, 2007 – The News Tribune
- The Esoterics dish out challenge and comfort with equal skill
July 8th, 2007 – The News Tribune
- Stretching expectations: The Esoterics thrive as a choir for ‘music nerd’
July 5th, 2007 – Capitol Hill Times
- Seattle choir brings harmony to religion
May 4th, 2007 – The News Tribune
- Orchestral Discord [Best ear candy]
Dec 27th, 2006 – Seattle Weekly
- Always creative Esoterics are ready for the night with ‘Notturna’
July 21, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Esoterics ably voice challenging Finnish work
March 7, 2006 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Sixty years of American song from The Esoterics: Beautifully crafted pieces from various eras – and beautifully sung, too. (CD Review)
February 2006 – The Gramophone
- IMMAGINOSA: American inspiration and the modern madrigal (CD Review)
January/February 2006 – The American Record Guide
- PENITENTIA: ancient petitions for mercy and peace (CD Review)
January/February 2006 – The American Record Guide
- Esoterics are on target with trio of masses
February 4, 2003 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- Vocal Currency – In multiple tongues, Eric Banks’ choir creates a new music sensation
September 4, 2002 – Seattle Weekly
- Gerald Finzi Centennial
October 2001 – 21st Century Music
- Seattle groups win ASCAP awards
July 5, 2001 – Seattle Post-Intelligencer
- World Choral Organization
March 2000 – 21st Century Music
- Vulgar charm – Showcasing the enchanting contradictions of Poulenc
January 6, 1999 – Seattle Weekly
- The Esoterics: Heart of a wheel
December 7, 1995 – The Daily of the University of Washington
The Esoterics in performance
Video