“With the upcoming ninetieth anniversary of the end of World War I, and the sad reality of Canadian lives once again being lost on another battlefield, it’s an appropriate time to look back at the poetry that came out of a war that was such a crucible for Canada’s identity,” states Diane Loomer, C.M., the choir’s Artistic Director. “Every Canadian has memorized John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” – we’ll be singing Stephen Chatman’s evocative setting that he wrote for us – but that’s just one of the achingly moving poems that came out of WWI. There are so many more, and it's that trove that Chor Leoni will be exploring during Pity of War.”
Recent experiences and discoveries during Chor Leoni’s tour to the Czech Republic this past summer also contribute to the concert. Zornicka is a set of “songs from the barracks” by Czech composer Jaroslav Kricka. The language may be unfamiliar to our ears but the musical intent and distinctive flavour are sure to intrigue you. Upon hearing Chor Leoni perform, Jacek Sykulski, conductor of the Polish Boys’ Choir, gave Diane a copy of his A Thousand Winds, saying “I can hear the lions singing it!” It’s a beautiful work on a familiar text and we are looking forward to singing it for you.
Chor Leoni is pleased to present the North American premiere of the male voices version of Veljo Tormis’ monumental Curse Upon Iron. This work takes as its premise the belief that the dark power inherent in iron will rise up to smite mankind if people lose their moral compass. Using ancient Finnish texts, repetitive figures and some remarkable vocal techniques, Tormis portrays a world in anguish as iron rules, unfettered by ancient wisdom.
Amongst these new works are familiar friends as well. Eric Bogle’s powerful And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda, Rupert Lang’s Kontakion, with its gentle audience refrain, and Mike Sammes’ For the Fallen take their place alongside works by Bruce Sled, Larry Nickel, and Byron Adams.
Chor Leoni is particularly proud to welcome once again members of PROMYS, the choir's mentoring program, who will join the lions on selected repertoire during the concert.
Pity of War is Chor Leoni’s invitation to step into a concert of reflection, remembrance, and eventually, hope. Veterans are admitted free – please call the choir office 604.999.6153 to reserve seats those seats. General admission tickets sell quickly, so purchase yours early to avoid disappointment.
Pity of War
Sunday, November 9th, 2008 @ 3:00 PMChurch of St. Mary the Virgin, Oak Bay
1701 Elgin Rd., Victoria, BC
Adults $ 20 Students/Seniors $15
Tickets from Ivy’s Bookstore, St. Dunstan’s Church, Long & McQuade
Information 250.595.0058
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 @ 1:00 PMWest Vancouver United Church
2062 Esquimalt Ave., West Vancouver, BC
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 @ 7:30 PMChrist Church Cathedral
690 Burrard St., Vancouver, BC
Adults $28 | Seniors/Students $23
Veterans admitted free
Available from ticketmaster.ca 604.280.3311
service charges applicable
For the November 11th evening performance, $20 tickets for seating in the Cathedral’s chancel will be available at the door 15 minutes before the concert begins. These seats offer great sound but limited sight lines as they are behind the choir.
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Chor Leoni’s Remembrance Day concerts are a fixture on the Vancouver choral calendar. Songs of War and Peace encapsulates the spirit of those concerts and remains a perennial favourite. (more...)
