Tue Aug 1 19:00
CANTUS: My Journey Yours
Another Chamberfest debut! America’s premier low-voice a cappella ensemble, now in its 27th season, journeys north for an evening of song. My Journey Yours, a program of works anchored by Elise Witt’s piece of the same name, explores the courage of those who leave their homes in search of a brighter future and how they adapt to their new homeland. This program honours the struggle, courage, and deep humanity of migration with music from around the world, as well as a newly-commissioned piece by Melissa Dunphy, one of today’s most compelling compositional voices.
Working without a conductor, Cantus is known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming, and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Committed to the expansion of the vocal music repertoire, Cantus commissions new music and seeks to unearth rarely performed repertoire. Hailed as having both “exalting finesse” and “expressive power,” the spontaneous grace of Cantus’ music making is nothing short of “exquisite.” (New Yorker, The Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Cantuslow voice ensemble
Programme
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957): Finlandia
Alberto de la Paz: Hope is the Thing With Feathers
Elise Witt (b. 1953): My Journey Yours
Melissa Dunphy (b.1980): N-400 Erasure Songs
I. Form N-400 Erasures
Cairril Adaire: First Nations Lament
Sydney Guillaume (b.1982): N’ap Debat (We’re Hangin’ On)
Tim Takach (b.1978): Afka Hooyo (Mother Tongue)
Melissa Dunphy: N-400 Erasure Songs:
II. N-400 (an erasure)
Intermission
Bob Chilcott (b.1955): 5 Ways to Kill a Man
Shawn Crouch (b.1977): Lullaby
Moisés Simons (1889-1945): El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor)
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904): Písen Cecha (Song of a Czech)
Melissa Dunphy: N-400 Erasure Songs
III. change [y]our Country
This concert is presented with the kind support of Carolyn McMaster.
More Concerts
Festival 2023
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The Steinway Series is made possible with the generous support of the Steinway Piano Gallery Ottawa.
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These performances are outdoors. Seating will be limited, and you may need to bring your own weather protection if desired.
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