Hymns for
Private Use

Akropolis Reed Quintet
Shara Nova
7 Small Business Owners

Released October 28, 2022 on Bright Shiny Things
Press Release

“The sheer musical imagination of the cycle always illuminates and illustrates the gentle, lyrical poetry. Throughout there is an appealing rhetorical fluency that piques the curiosity.”
Gramophone Magazine

“The result is a distinct and moving work which offers a fascinating snapshot of contemporary America”
BBC Music Magazine

About the album

"Hymns for Private Use" is the 5th album released by the Detroit-based Akropolis Reed Quintet and features original works by composers Annika Socolofsky and Nico Muhly. On Socolofsky’s "so much more," Akropolis is joined by 7 small business owners from 4 states whose personal stories of community and sacrifice are woven together on a spoken word track, sourced from over 7 hours of interviews conducted in 2020. Soprano Shara Nova joins Akropolis on Muhly’s "Hymns for Private Use," which draws upon 5 spiritual texts from early English sources from the 12th to 18th centuries. These two large-scale works for reed quintet and voices are connected by intimate stories of ambition and devotion made available for each listener’s own “private use.”

The 7 Small Business Owners

"so much more," composed by Annika Socolofsky, features spoken words from small business owners interviewed specifically for this project. Each business owner shares a personal connection to the album’s contributors, including 4 on Detroit’s “Avenue of Fashion,” where Akropolis is based; Soclofsky’s uncle, a farmer in Kansas; project videographer XUAN's mother in North Carolina, a wig maker; and an LGBTQ+ wellness business near Akropolis’ oboist in Boulder, Colorado. What comes next is a musical journey celebrating these individuals' experiences, and what it means to be a small business owner today in America. 

We invited you to explore and support each of these small businesses by clicking below! Their interwoven stories shine a light on how we all can continute to suport our local businesses, and in turn, strengthens our communities. 

Album Videos

  • "The Akropolis Reed Quintet has rightly won plaudits as a sonically daring ensemble who specialize in performing new works with charisma and integrity"

    ~ BBC Music Magazine, Kate Wakeling

  • “This record is remarkable”

    ~ Steve Smith, Night After Night

  • "Hymns for Private Use continues to showcase Akropolis' elegant playing while reflecting on music's role in the community."

    ~ Brutal New Music

  • "this ever-adventurous outfit's primary goal—“to make music that sparks joy and wonder”—remains very much in place on its fifth album."

    ~Textura

  • "Detroit-based Akropolis Reed Quintet showcase two commissioned works that brilliantly exploit their unique instrumentation."

    ~ Gramophone Magazine

  • "The Akropolis Reed Quintet are at it again. What a terrific ensemble, and what a distinctive blend. Like Ghost Light (reviewed April 2021) this disc responds to the group’s home town, Detroit, in a musical offering giving back to their community."

    ~ The Whole Note, Max Christie