Dear Friends and Patrons of Pro Coro Canada,
I am thrilled to announce our exciting, ambitious and captivating 25.26 season, filled with unforgettable experiences, powerful collaborations, and groundbreaking music. True to our motto – Bold Stories & Bold Sounds – we're pushing the boundaries of A CHORAL CONCERT, bringing you a season that is as unique as it is extraordinary.
As I was envisioning this season’s programming, I was captivated by how my interest centred on the lives of well-known and well-appreciated persons, and how their stories come to life through the skilled pen of choral music composers. Our concerts will re-introduce you to the lives of the Little Match Girl, Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the extraordinary medieval mystic Margery Kempe, the mother of Christ at the Cross, and the Patron Saint of Music, Saint Cecilia and Saint John of Chrysostom.
A Season of Unforgettable Experiences
Our season opens in September with a highly anticipated return of our favorite guest conductor, Lone Larsen from Sweden. She'll lead us in From a root a flower opens, a program of traditional repertoire and innovative improvisations. But this isn't just a concert; it's a community experience. You'll have the chance to be part of the performance yourself by joining workshops and contributing a short section to the final concert. We're also proud to be part of a global initiative, partnering with the International Federation for Choral Music and the UN to bring an emerging conductor from Ukraine to our stage through the Conductors Beyond Borders program.
In November, we're joining forces with Kappella Kyrie (dir. Melanie Turgeon) to present Peter Togni’s monumental Divine Liturgy for St. John Chrysostom. This powerful work will resonate deeply with all and promises a profound experience.
As the holidays approach we’re excited to share for the third time again A Christmas Carol by Benedict Sheehan with a performance in Edmonton, featuring Vocal Collective (dir. Mona Holton & Daryl Weisenburger). This edition will take place at McDougall United Church with an improved sound-system for our narrator. Our season would not be complete without our traditional New Year's Eve concert and the 13th edition of the stunning Little Match Girl Passion.
Cutting-Edge Programming and Exclusive Collaborations
We continue to lead the way in choral music with a season of exclusive events and innovative programming. We're honoured to present the North American premiere of Paul Mealor’s "choral opera" Light of Paradise. This awe-inspiring work for choir, soloists, and saxophone quartet will feature the internationally acclaimed Quasar saxophone quartet from Montreal, a collaboration you won't want to miss.
For our Good Friday with Pro Coro program, we’re happy to perform in the newly renovated and re-configured All Saints’ Anglican cathedral, and present Dvorak's revered Stabat Mater.
Our season concludes with a timely and important program. Ice features new works by Canadian creators on the urgent theme of climate change. We'll be joined by the incredible Edmonton Young Voices (dir. Lyndsey Olsen) for this moving and thought-provoking concert.
Click here to review our subscriptions for our Edmonton concerts. There is a FULL season pass with all 8 concerts, our exclusive EXPERIENCE pass with 6 major performances, and the personalized CREATE YOUR SOUND option where you pick your favourite four concerts. For anyone not able to join us in-person due to distance, mobility issues or health concerns, our livestreams will be available for our major concerts.
This season is more than just a series of concerts; it's a celebration of collaboration, community, and the power of the human voice. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable season of thrilling music and shared experiences. So, join us for a season filled with Bold Stories and Bold Sounds!
Michael Zaugg
Managing & Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor
