Reflections - Part 3: One Earth, Many Voices
In the third edition of “Reflections” with Richard Sparks, journey through Sparks’ final seasons as Pro Coro Canada’s Artistic Director.
Reflections - Part 2: Moving the Soul
From Haydn masses to the lighter sides of Pro Coro, Richard Sparks continues his reflection through his tenure at the podium as Artistic Director of Edmonton’s Professional Choir in “Reflections - Part II: Moving the Soul”
Reflections: Pro Coro at 40, With Richard Sparks - Part 1
In honour of Pro Coro Canada’s 40th Anniversary, former Pro Coro Artistic Director Richard Sparks reflects on his tenure as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor from 1999-2011. Open up the Pro Coro archives in this three-part series as Sparks reveals his musical journey with Edmonton’s Professional Choir.
Canadian Voices: A Prayer to Bring You Home - John Estacio
“In 1999 I composed “Eulogies” for Pro Coro Canada, a set of 4 choral works based on eulogies that Val Brandt had written for friends and family. In some ways, this is my fifth eulogy, a heartfelt tribute for a mother.”
Canadian Voices: Yôtin (The Wind) - Sherryl Sewepagaham
“Every piece I create is a piece of me, my family, my Cree people, and includes teachings. Yôtin (the wind) is sacred, playful and intense and the piece is meant to capture that. Yôtin starts gentle but ends up fierce and cold. Yôtin is always intentional and purposeful.”
Canadian Voices: How Good Will It Feel - Allan Gilliland and Jemma Hicken
Composer Allan Gilliland and Poet Jemma Hicken discuss “How Good Will It Feel?” premiering on Pro Coro TV
Canadian Voices: My Mother’s Body - Stuart Beatch
While it’s rare to experience such a concentrated burst of creativity, I am thankful to King’s Fold for the serenity and opportunity to focus. I have no doubt that the gorgeous views, overlooking the Ghost River at the base of the Rocky Mountains, contributed to the sense of stillness in this piece.
Canadian Voices: Singing in the End - Jane Berry
It felt ominous, haunting, rebellious, hopeful, defiant, and it held the making of one’s art as the highest priority above all else. All of this I felt, all of this I was living at the time.
Canadian Voices: Droplets - Laura Hawley
As I contemplated how to musically express our collective anxiety as we try to adjust to a new world where we navigate one another in new and uncomfortable ways, I began to think of our new ways of interacting as a delicate and controlled dance.
Canadian Voices: What is the Feeling? Jennifer McMillan
My first reaction is often to write something challenging and grand, especially when given the opportunity to write for a group like Pro Coro. Michael Zaugg asked if I would consider writing for treble voices, and I immediately knew I wanted to write a piece with a strong and powerful message for young female singers.
Canadian Voices: The Heart of Night - Margaret King
“Like the stars, we are singular and dynamic, and we also belong to something much greater.”
Moonshot: To Seek Where Shadows Are
Michael Zaugg introduces the release of the world premiere of “To Seek Where Shadows Are”: A three work cycle from Composer-In-Residence Paul Mealor written for Pro Coro Canada.
Recorded LIVE at the 2016 Podium National Conference.
Erratics: Amy Brandon
“Erratics explores themes of migration, travel and abandonment (in keeping with the subject matter of glacially deposited rocks), keeping at its centre a rich but oblique description of the Albertan landscape. “
Canadian composer Amy Brandon explores composing choral music with the words of Albertan poet David Martin and gives a sneak-peek into Pro Coro Canada’s newly released recording of her work: “Erratics”
Down the Rabbit Hole: Adventures in a Digital Wonderland
“Some of the layers of Alice in Wonderland are sinister, deceptive, dangerous. The name of the place is deliciously misleading, implying a utopia of wholesome fascination. The reality—such as it is—is quite far from that: sense morphs into nonsense, characters turn hostile, the dream becomes a nightmare in the blink of an eye. Almost nothing in Wonderland is as it seems.”
Canadian Composer Jason Noble reflects on his retelling of Alice in Wonderland in a digital age with Pro Coro Canada in Banff.
In The Shadow of A Giant
“In this strange world with magical fjords and enchanted forests the line of the supernatural world and reality seem to be nonexistent. So, of course, while taking hour-long walks in the astonishingly beautiful mountains surrounding Banff, I could not help myself but feeling a little bit like Hilda, exploring her magical world.”
German composer Dominik Dieterle reflects on writing “The Midnight Giant” with Pro Coro Canada at the 2020 Choral Art Program at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
From The Podium: Moonshot I - Ugis Praulins
“Over the coming week, Pro Coro Canada will share some treasures from the vault and, in the spirit of exploring new territory with our Moonshot series, celebrate contemporary music.”
Mother’s Day Dailies
This week, join the singers of Pro Coro Canada virtually from their homes to enjoy daily musical numbers inspired by songs of motherhood, their mothers, and their own children. From Mendelssohn to Rufus Wainwright, we invite you to join us in celebrating A Mother’s Song!
Chase Your Joy: A Lesson From My Mom
“This Mother’s Day, I’m sure the morning light will still come tinged with a hint of sorrow but I will take some time for music and recall with my daughter some of the lighter times we all shared. We’ll look through old photos and reminisce about Nanny’s strength, her passion, and her mischievous side.”
Composer and Pro Coro Alto Jane Berry reflects on her mother, and composing Mass For Recovery: Phoenix Rising for Pro Coro in her honour.