A synthesis of new and old, Symbiosis combines works that draw on the deep history of sacred music for unaccompanied voices, together with new and forward looking works that draw on the lives and history of composers from Edmonton and across Canada, an ambitious program of emotionally resonant works that will include three world premieres!

Powerful and personal, Symbiosis presents several pieces dedicated to recently departed loved ones or feature close-to-the-heart subjects.

Chronos tenor David Dykstra’s Love’s Not Lost, a deeply personal response to the loss of a close friend will be premiered at this concert.

Also premiered at Symbiosis will be Chronos baritone Stuart Beatch’s newest work, All Our Love, Always commissioned by long-time Chronos supporter and former board member Mark Freeman with text in memory of his mother, Phyllis.

Also originating within the Chronos community is Breathe by Matthew Emery. Commissioned in 2020 through valued Chronos supporter David Almond, this work is dedicated to the memory of his mother Anna Almond, and all victims Covid-19.

Premiered on this program will be a brand new three-movement work by Nicholas Ryan Kelly. You may remember Kelly’s You Speak Violets commissioned by Chronos and premiered in 2021. Using more texts from Hamilton based poet Shannon Bramer’s poetry in Climbing Shadows, a three movement follow-up has been co-commissioned by Chronos Vocal Ensemble and the Vancouver Cantata Singers. The Penticton-based composer will travel to Edmonton for the performance weekend to work with the choir and attend the premiere.

Also on the program are works by a number of esteemed Canadian composers familiar to our audiences: Marie-Claire Saindon, Shireen Abu-Khader and Andrew Balfour. Chronos is reaching back to a work featured at the ensemble’s very first performance in 2014: Rheinberger’s Mass in E flat for double choir.