Calgary's cultural scene is set to come alive with a symphony of voices as Luminous Voices, the city's premier professional chamber choir, joins forces with the Juno-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir for a captivating mid-winter concert. Scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Knox United Church in downtown Calgary, this collaboration promises an unforgettable musical experience.
Renowned for their acclaimed performances and recordings, as well as their dedication to fostering musical education through interactive workshops, the Canadian Chamber Choir brings together singers from across the country. Regular supporters of Alberta’s choral community are likely to spot some familiar faces on the risers, as the Canadian Chamber Choir’s current touring roster features tenor Bill Hamm (Luminous Voices), soprano Catherine Lippitt (Spiritus Chamber Choir), and alto Sable Chan (Pro Coro Canada).
For this special event, the choir will be immersing itself in the Calgary community in the week leading up to the concert, building anticipation for the much-awaited collaboration with Luminous Voices.
Under the direction of Luminous Voices' Artistic Director, Dr. Timothy Shantz, and Canadian Chamber Choir's Artistic Director, Dr. Julia Davids, the combined choirs will present an all-Canadian programme. A highlight of the afternoon will be the premiere of a new composition by Kenya-born, Vancouver-based composer Dr. Hussein Janmohamed, specially crafted for this performance, adding an exciting dimension to the repertoire.
"It has been over a decade since the Canadian Chamber Choir has performed in Calgary,” says Luminous Voices’ Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Shantz. “We are excited to have them sharing their music and amazing workshops throughout the region. Calgary audiences are also very lucky to be witness to the premiere of a new work by Hussein Janmohamed. His music shines brightly. It will be wonderful to hear along with works by many other composers with such unique and distinct compositional voices."
The concert will also shine a spotlight on several Alberta composers, including Stuart Beatch, Alan Gilliland, Laura Hawley, and Sherryl Sewepagaham. These distinguished composers will be in attendance at the concert, adding a unique and personal touch to the afternoon.
"Fans of the Canadian Chamber Choir can expect to hear our usual wide variety of styles," says Dr. Julia Davids. "There will truly be something for everyone."
A special highlight of the afternoon will be the performance of "Voices Rising," a composition by Calgary-based composer Kathryn Parrotta. Commissioned by Luminous Voices, "Voices Rising" was a featured piece at the CBE Sings event in December. This piece promises to uplift and inspire as both choirs, along with workshop participants, come together for a moving finale.
The concert, featuring the talent of four conductors – Dr. Timothy Shantz, Dr. Julia Davids, Julia Brotto, and Elvin Do – is set to be a celebration of Canadian choral excellence.
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Now celebrating the 11th season, Calgary’s professional chamber choir Luminous Voices unites local, national, and international artists and organizations through exceptional sonic experiences. With Artistic Director Timothy Shantz, this unique mixture of artists encompasses live and virtual performances, recordings, workshops, and community educational activities.
The Canadian Chamber Choir was formed in 1999 as an offshoot of the National Youth Choir of Canada, taking on a life of its own in 2001. Along with acclaimed performances and recordings, the CCC is known for presenting interactive workshops for all ages and stages, focusing on healthy, flexible singing while celebrating the spirit of Canadian choral traditions in building community. canadianchamberchoir.ca
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