The September/October 2019 issue of American Record Guide features a new review for the PaTRAM Institute‘s recording of Kurt Sander’s Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom:
“Most of the music falls into one of two categories: brief choral responses to chanted declamation by the priest or deacon, and more extended choral pieces like the Cherubic Hymn and the Lord’s Prayer. In his notes, Sander observes that most composers would begin by writing the more extended pieces, but he did the opposite—began with the brief responses. … For the listener they furnish the context for the more extended peices like a setting for jewels.
The performance is superb, and that includes the chanting by baritone Keven Keys as priest and bass Vadim Gan as deacon. His lowest notes almost defy belief. There are 25 vocalists in the PaTRAM Institute Singrs. They form a tightly knit mixed choral ensemble. … the choir seems undaunted by the most demanding requirements. … Conductor Peter Jermihov leads performances that are authoritatively and sensitively shaped… Orthodox sacred music in its highest form.”
—American Record Guide