Paul Mealor, who was born in 1975 in St Asaph, North Wales, received private composition lessons from William Mathias as a youngster, before studying under John Pickard. He pursued his academic journey in music at the University of York, earning a BA Hons in 1997 and a PhD in 2002, and furthered his studies in Copenhagen with Hans Abrahamsen and Per Nørgård. Since January 2003, Mealor has been a faculty member in the Music Department at the University of Aberdeen, where he holds the position of Professor of Composition.

Paul Mealor’s The Shadow of Thy Cross

In his setting of "The Shadow of Thy Cross," Paul Mealor crafted an anthem that embodies both earthly and divine qualities. He achieved this through deep, strong, tonal bass lines that anchor the piece firmly in the worldly realm, contrasted by a soprano line that ascends into the ethereal, heavenly domain.

Mealor also devised a chord that visually resembles the cross on the musical score, which he refers to as the "cross" or "pain" chord. This chord stands at the emotional core of the anthem, encapsulating the dualities of pain and joy. Within its tense structure, listeners can experience the convergence of these opposing worlds, resulting in a profound sense of inevitable satisfaction.

Marnie Giesbrecht, a celebrated keyboard artist, has graced stages across Canada, the US, South Africa, and Europe, and serves as a Professor of Music at the University of Alberta. With education from the University of Alberta, Eastman School of Music, and the Mozarteum in Salzburg, she specializes in organ performance and literature.

Alongside Joachim Segger, Giesbrecht is part of Duo Majoya, blending piano and organ duets into concerts that feature a variety of music styles. They've performed in prestigious venues worldwide and directed music at the First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton, enriching the music scene with their innovative programs and educational workshops.

For as long as Camila can remember, her life has been a blend of science and music. Her unconventional music journey began at a young age, from studying piano to performing with choirs in Bolivia (her home country) and Europe. She holds a BSc in civil engineering and is currently pursuing a MSc in structural engineering at the University of Alberta. Her deep passion for music endures, evident in her past involvement with the Madrigal Singers and her current participation with Pro Coro Canada.

He nurtured my musical taste by bringing home all sorts of CDs ranging from Chopin to Sinatra and Bolivian traditional music as well. In essence, I owe my love for music to him.

What are your favourite Pro Coro Canada performances?

“A Christmas Carol” proved to be a truly memorable experience. The spine-tingling music and immersive storytelling crafted a unique journey, making me feel as though I was living within the tale itself.

Which performance should people come and hear, and why?

The forthcoming Good Friday concert will have some profoundly moving sacred music that promises to captivate and touch the soul. The spiritual depth of the music showcased in this concert deserves to be experienced firsthand.

Our upcoming concert Good Friday with Pro Coro Canada is a beloved tradition in the Edmonton arts community. During the times of isolation in 2020, we created a series entitled “Musical Reflections Through Holy Week” to connect our community with curated live recordings. Please enjoy the blog posts and playlist in preparation for Easter this coming weekend, where you will hear Bruckner’s Christus Factus Est and Mealor’s The Shadow of Thy Cross.