About our choir

The Ananda Village Choir & Ensemble is composed of residents of Ananda Village, an intentional spiritual community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Northern California. Founded in 1969 by the late Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters), a direct disciple of the great Indian spiritual teacher, Paramhansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi), Ananda Village is now one part of a widespread movement that includes spiritual communities and meditation centers throughout the Americas, Europe, and India.    In addition to being an prolific author and lecturer, Swami Kriyananda was a fine musician, composing upwards of 300 pieces of music -- including a full oratorio, folk songs, instrumentals, devotional chants, and children’s songs.     He started to write music in 1964, when he felt the inspiration to introduce a new kind of music to the world: music that expresses spiritual aspiration and a desire for a more meaningful way of life. This music is, as its purpose suggests, quite simple, yet beautiful.    The music of Ananda has been performed in many countries, and has inspired many thousands of people with a new and more uplifted view of life itself. Swami Kriyananda felt that in some ways, it transcends even the best classical music of our culture, for it offers transcendent meaning, instead of only describing a graceful way of life.    Wherever they are in the world, Ananda choirs perform Ananda Music (the music of Swami Kriyananda) almost exclusively, continuing his mission of helping people through sharing music that expresses spiritual aspiration and a desire for a more meaningful way of life. The music is simple, yet beautiful, specializing in uplifting songs, inspirational music, meaningful song lyrics, and -- ultimately -- songs that make people happy.     While the Ananda Village Choir & Ensemble consists of residents of Ananda Village, they are also part of the Ananda World Brotherhood Choir, which has branch members throughout the world. Over the decades, the World Brotherhood Choir has won numerous musical awards including the Adelaide Ristori Award, the Presidential Cup, and First Prize in the National Festival of World Peace. They also performed for Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1989.    The residents of Ananda Village follow the spiritual path of yoga and meditation, which informs their approach to making music. The music is seen both as a ministry and as a form of sadhana (or spiritual practice). The emphasis on harmony is not just musical; even more important is harmony within oneself and with others.     Rather than one conductor, the Ananda Village Choir & Ensemble is run by a five-member music team, sharing the responsibilities and taking turns directing.    🎄By the way, we JUST had our Christmas concert on Saturday, December 16 -- two days before we were featured on the Advent of ChoirMate! Below is a link to the unedited video of the live broadcast, which you can copy and paste if you like. We hope you enjoy it!🎄https://www.youtube.com/live/bDCI8OPwO0g?si=865e4tBUFEeg4u6J&t=1016🎄