Premiere: Matthew Emery's new work, BREATHE!
The video below was recorded in “virtual choir” format (singers recording individually at home), and also includes footage from our November 7-8 rehearsals, when we were able to work in person on the music together, following all of the public health guidelines in place at that time.
This is the first part of a two-part multimedia project featuring the work of composer Matthew Emery, poet Natalie Fasheh, and Chronos Vocal Ensemble. For information on the project’s genesis and progress or to lend your support, check out our recent project update and our campaign page on CanadaHelps.
This is brand-new Canadian music, and another important endeavour in our history of New Music Projects!
Times are tough and we know not everyone can financially support. If you’d like to help us anyway, please share our video with a friend via email or social media, or subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you’re on Facebook, find the video link there and please like and share. We appreciate it.
Stay tuned for more from this and other projects in the weeks and months ahead. Please take care of each other, and be well!
Many thanks to David Almond, The Almond Family, and Kirkland Choral Society (Kirkland, WA) for inspiring and supporting this project. Thanks also to Professional Audiology Clinic Ltd, and Season Sponsor Blindman Brewing, for their generous support.
Text by Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374):
Trans. Thomas Wentworth Higginson, 1903
I saw how tears had left their weary traces
Within those eyes that once the sun outshone,
I heard those lips, in low and plaintive moan,
Breathe words to stir the mountains from their places.
Love, wisdom, courage, tenderness, and truth
Made in their mourning strains more high and dear
Than ever wove soft sounds for mortal ear;
And heaven seemed listening in such saddest ruth
The very leaves upon the bough to soothe,
Such sweetness filled the blissful atmosphere.
Video and Performance © 2020 Chronos Music Society of Alberta
Audio and Technical Team
Aaron Addorisio
Chad Ohman
Micah Hussell
Jordan Van Biert
Filming
Ken Stead Productions
Video Production
Steven Brese, Legacy Films