home on June 2nd: choral music to celebrate the human spirit

Our end of season concert, Home, will be performed at the Bella Concert Hall on June 2nd at 7.30pm.

This choral journey will span centuries and themes including mental health, what it means to be human, grief, isolation, hope, social justice and more. We hope you will join us.

Tickets are available here.

Here’s what you can expect to hear

Nyon Nyon by Jake Runestad is an innovative exploration of the sounds that can be produced by the human voice. The lyrics are entirely made from original words, created by Runestad.

Come Away Sweet Love is a madrigal by Thomas Greaves, published in 1604. It is playful and energetic with lots of dynamic interaction between the vocal parts.

April Is My Mistress’ Face, composed by Thomas Morely is probably one of the best known English madrigals, first published in 1594.

Abendständchen by Johannes Brahms, composed in 1859, is an evening serenade with a mesmerizing rhythm that lilts like a lullaby.

Four Strong Winds, written by Ian Tyson and originally performed by Canadian folk duo Ian and Sylvia is a classic inspired by the music of Bob Dylan.

Would You Harbour Me? by social activist Ysaye Barnwell is a questioning exploration of society’s responsibility towards those who are displaced or disadvantaged.

Sacred Veil Movements I, II, XII, by Eric Whitacre and poet Charles Silvestri reflects on loss, grieving and solace after the death of the poet’s partner.

Fire by Katerina Gimon is a stunning work of vocal percussion, body percussion, nasal singing, calls and nonsense syllables which is full of fight and energy.

Ritual is the most recent composition by Jake Runestad, it is a ceremonial sonic narrative of created sounds and timbral effects which explores societal rituals and how we might break them.

Indodana, by South African composers Michael Barrett and Ralf Schmitt is a highly dramatic, traditional and sacred South African song about the crucifixion of Christ.

The Bridge Builder, composed by Don MacDonald, using the poem by Will Allen Dromgoole, is a narrative piece which speaks to inter-generational responsibilities.

Music of Stillnes, composed by Elaine Hagenberg, using the poem There Will Be Rest by Sara Teasdale, is a soul-filling piece which explores mental health and feelings of desperation and hope.

I will Walk You Home, composed by Joshua Rist, is an uplifting and life-affirming work about the power of togetherness, faith, and love.

Witness, composed by Joshua Rist and performed with Calgary rapper KTheChosen, is a performance of magnitude which delves into what makes us human.