Journey to the land of folklore, meeting mystical saints and familiar fairy figures. From spiritual to magical, from Canadian forests to fallen ruins in Far East mountains, to the rugged shores of the British Isles, this program will send you on a musical exploration of new sonorities. Our concert will feature an eclectic selection of a cappella music by British composers Joby Talbot and Benjamin Britten, and Latvians Ēriks Ešenvalds and Uģis Prauliņš.

Inspired by the Latin Mass, our annual series explores the multitudes of expression of faith through musical works. Over the years, our featured compositions have become larger, and for the fifth edition we’re including I Coristi (Rob Curtis, director). The full feature Missa Signum Magnum by Latvian Rihards Dubrah requires a large choir divided into five groups dispersed through the performance venue, the ultimate surround-sound experience

Counted among the top ten sacred masterworks, Ein Deutsches Requiem will enshroud you with a breadth of emotions. Brahms himself envisioned his work to be a ‘Human Requiem’, not for the dead but for the living left behind. The master himself created the version for piano and four hands for a performance in 1871 in the British capital, which then became the ‘London Version’ that you will hear at this annual Good Friday concert.

Guest soloists:
Jolaine Kerley, soprano
Alexander Dobson, baritone
Leanne Regehr and Roger Admiral, piano

When our Artistic Director Michael Zaugg began his tenure, he introduced us to an eclectic array of fascinating new works, including The Nightingale, a stand-out composition by Grammy nominated Uģis Prauliņš. This virtuoso work for recorder quartet and 20 part choir will be the highlight of the program. Our guest is Flûte Alors!, the only professional recorder quartet in Canada. This unique combination of instruments and voices has inspired new Canadian works which will also be featured on the program.