Good Friday with Pro Coro Canada is our annual concert that commemorates the Passion of Christ. This year, we are featuring the works of Knut Nystedt, Gabriel Fauré, Paul Mealor, and Canadian Sarah MacDonald, among others. We are excited to be joined by the talented ensemble A Joyful Noise (Dir. Roderick Bryce) and organist Marnie Giesbrecht.

Featured Composition O CRUX by Knut Nystedt

Born in Oslo Norway in 1915, Knut Nystedt honed his composition skills under Aaron Copland. He served as an organist in Oslo between 1946 and 1982 and taught choral conducting at the University of Oslo from 1965 to 1985. Nystedt is celebrated as a pivotal figure in Norwegian music, earning numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. He aimed to integrate innovative vocal techniques into his compositions while ensuring they remained accessible for choirs of varying abilities.

Many of these works, including “Kristnikvede” (Canticles of Praise, 1994), “Magnificat for a New Millennium” (1997), “Prayers of Kierkegaard” (1999), and “Ode til mennesket” (Ode to Mankind, 1999), extend beyond 30 minutes. Notably, “Apocalypsis Joannis” (Apocalypse of St. John), op.155 (1998), stands out as a symphony featuring soloists and a choir, which Nystedt described in such terms.

Nystedt's innovative yet tradition-anchored musical style has made classical music accessible and moving for many, including those previously indifferent or unfamiliar with modern compositions. Through his work, Nystedt has paved the way for a broader appreciation and understanding of contemporary music.

Jessica Fereira is a Medical Laboratory Technologist with a long history and involvement in arts through Ukrainian dance and concert band.

A Joyful Noise was just the perfect balance of challenge and skill I was searching for.

What inspired you to pursue singing and how has it impacted your life?

Singing is not something new to me as I've always done choir as a hobby or extracurricular. Since joining choir seriously, I have been challenged vocally in ways I could never imagined. Learning how to use voice as an instrument is an amazing and rewarding skill.

Do you have a particular performance or moment with A Joyful Noise that stands out to you as especially meaningful or memorable?

A few times I have been asked to accompany the choir with flute. I'm grateful for these times as I get to use my concert and choral music training together, and see the choir from a slightly different lens.

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This promotion is applicable to both livestream and in-person attendees.