This February, we honor the 100th anniversary of the poem Lift Every Voice and Sing. Written by James Weldon Johnson, set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson and arranged for choir with piano accompaniment by Roland Carter, this iconic piece has become a symbol of resilience and hope, often referred to as the "Black National Anthem" in the United States. Its timeless message continues to resonate, making it a compelling and meaningful choice for choirs and festivals worldwide.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon with guest conductor Brainerd Blyden-Taylor at Let Us Cheer the Weary Traveller, where this composition will take center stage. The concert will take place on Sunday, February 16, at 3PM at McDougall United Church in Edmonton.

Pro Coro Canada and Credo Coffee invite you to a special afternoon welcoming esteemed guest conductor Brainerd Blyden-Taylor to Edmonton. Blyden-Taylor is the Founder, Artistic Director and conductor of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale, Canada’s first professional chamber choir dedicated to the creation and performance of Afrocentric music of all styles.
On Sunday afternoon, February 9, learn more about his work, hear about Pro Coro Canada’s vision to support new Canadian choral works from Pro Coro’s Artistic Director Michael Zaugg, and learn about opportunities for you to be involved.

Then we invite you to get a sneak-peek as Pro Coro Canada rehearses with Brainerd Blyden-Taylor for the upcoming performance of Let Us Cheer the Weary Traveller.

Please sign up for this Pro Coro Canada special event by January 31.

Coffee and snacks will be provided by Creedo Coffee. For questions, please contact John Hanley at development@procoro.ca

The Ukrainian War Requiem by Benedict Sheehan, recorded by Axios Men’s Ensemble and the tenors and basses of Pro Coro Canada, will be released on February 24. Conducted by our Artistic Director Michael Zaugg, the very first review of the album by Jon Sobel of Blogcritics highlights how the music solidifies Sheehan’s status as a leading contemporary composer of liturgical choral works.

An Assertion of Life

A poignant blend of mourning and peace defines the requiem.
The “Great Litany,” with Edmonton’s tenor John Tessier’s recitative against a major-key drone, evokes serenity amidst sorrow.

Read more in Sobel’s CD review below.