ELORA – The Juno-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir (CCC) will land in Elora on July 13 – one in a series of summer festival dates.
The singers of the choir – 22 in total – hail from all regions of Canada, from British Columbia to the Northwest Territories to Newfoundland.
In anticipation of an upcoming recording project, the choir is currently touring a selection of songs based around a theme of water.
“Ontario is a province that many of us call home,” said choir artistic director Julia Davids, adding that water, be it in the form of a lake or river, is an important feature here.
Since its founding in 1999, the choir has embarked on twice-yearly tours and is Canada’s sole professional choir with national representation.
In tandem with the organization’s commitment to offering audiences engaging, musically dynamic performances, singers are recognized leaders and innovators in choral education and community engagement.
“Our mandate is to build up and support choral community in as many different places and spaces as we have the privilege of entering,” said choir associate conductor Joel Tranquilla.
“Our singers come from all across the country and bring with them a rich and diverse range of lived and professional experiences. We are constantly being shaped by our interactions with one another, and with the communities we enter.”
Joining the choir on this month will be Cree-Dene singer, composer and educator Sherryl Sewepagaham, from the Little Red River Cree Nation in Northern Alberta.
“Sherryl brings experience and profound insights from her creative work focusing on Indigenous music education and First Nations songs for the classroom,” said Davids.
“The [choir] will be creating and collaborating musically with Sherryl, but also co-leading workshops.”
Following several days of rehersal in Owen Sound, and a concert earlier this week, the choir will stop in Elora on July 13, taking the stage at the iconic Gambrel Barn for a performance as part of the Elora Festival.
“The Elora Festival is a high-profile, outstanding festival that never fails to offer audiences moving and thought-provoking musical experiences,” said Davids.
“Joined by Sherryl Sewepagaham, we’re honoured to present Elora Festival audiences will the quintessential [choir] experience – a wide variety of Canadian choral repertoire, from Carmen Braden’s challenging Where Waters Meet to our cover of Joni Mitchell’s hit River, all with the warmth and generosity the [choir] is known for.”
The choir will perform next in Kingston.
The Elora concert begins at 7:30pm on July 13.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit elorafestival.ca.
For more information and a full itinerary of events involving the Canadian Chamber Choir, visit canadianchamberchoir.ca.
