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)

Jorge Drexler (b. 1964) Movimiento (Movement)

Melissa Dunphy: N-400 Erasure Songs
III. change [y]our Country