Volume 24 Issue 2 - October 2018

Beat by Beat | Choral

Beat by Beat | Choral Scene Slavic Music Traditions In Toronto BRIAN CHANG In this month’s column we have two arts organizations taking on Slavic traditions and history. Pax Christi Chorale presents “Slavic Devotion” and Vesnivka Choir leads a commemorative concert for the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor. Pax Christi Chorale: Slavic Devotion Inseparable from Slavic history is the relationship of Orthodox Christianity in the region. The traditions of Slavic Orthodoxy are distinct from those of Western Europe, with the sphere of influence having been Constantinople rather than Rome. In the deep ritual and spirituality of the Orthodoxy, we find many of the great Eastern European composers. Two are featured by artistic director David Bowser: Stravinsky’s A Symphony of Psalms; and Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise and All Night Vigil. “Slavic Devotion’ refers to the spirited expression of sacred and secular Slavic music,” replies Bowser in response to a few of my questions. “We are presenting Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian music to demonstrate a rich variety and beauty in contrasting styles.” This is not a religious concert in the typical spiritual sense. Bowser has assembled these works to display the rich musical history of Slavic music and the languages, which he describes as “beautifully fluid and melodic.” “The Symphony of Psalms is the perfect musical pairing for Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil,” says Bowser. “They are both conventional works in some ways, but the bright spark of personality and unique genius shines through. Like Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky before him, Stravinsky rejected much of the Orthodox Church’s teachings and generally did not attend church in his adult life. But these composers found a unique musical voice to express their personal spiritual culture and artistic link to tradition.” Many choral composers, while not overtly religious, have worked within the space of the spiritual. Of the grand choral works that one can name offhand, a good bunch of them are masses or requiems. “Just as there is no political statement in this program, there is no religious one either,” shares Bowser. “It’s about the impact of beautiful art and vocal vibration on the audience. We are performing sacred and secular works not to recreate their social function but to reveal their beauty in a new light.” Members of Pax Christi Chorale With a strong Ukrainian tradition in Toronto, there are many descendants and members of the diaspora who continue to shape and influence music. Pax Christi Chorale is joined by Natalya Gennadi, a popular presence in the Toronto opera scene. Gennadi and Bowser have collaborated before. He shares: “I have known Natalya for many years ever since she was a selected soloist in the Toronto Mozart Vocal Competition, now called the Toronto Mozart Master Class Series. She is a stunning singer with incredible technique and wonderfully expressive investment in the text.” Gennadi made a name for herself as the lead in the Tapestry Opera production of the new opera Oksana G. in May 2017. A Russian language and literature specialist, Gennadi’s thorough comfort in the Russian and Ukrainian languages and tradition will be well-suited to this concert. For Bowser, this is a chance to work together again” “We have been looking for a project and her expertise in Russian and Ukrainian repertoire and language gave us an opportunity to highlight the great works from this part of the world,” he says. Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise contains no actual words. The ethereal sounds on beautiful open vowels allow Gennadi to evoke, inspire and create a narrative of her own making through the music. Unlike instrumental music, which exists without consonants and vowels, the physical function of singing is usually a carefully articulated rhythmic roadmap of deftly shaped words. Allowing yourself the indulgence of experiencing gorgeous vocal lines free of the constraints of words has a universality of the effect that may surprise even the most experienced choral listener. Paired with the stunning All-Night Vigil, listeners will find themselves transfixed. “These are extraordinary works for the human voice,” says Bowser. “The synchronized vibration of 100 voices makes this experience all the more satisfying. October 17 at 7:30pm and October 28 at 3pm. Pax Christi Chorale performs Slavic Devotion. With guest soprano Natalya Gennadi. Grace Church on-the-Hill. LEST WE FORGET A FUNDRAISING EVENT IN SUPPORT OF THE TORONTO ARTILLERY FOUNDATION A 100th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION OF WWI NOVEMBER 5, 2018, 7:00pm YORKMINSTER PARK BAPTIST CHURCH JOIN TENOR JOHN McDERMOTT, HIS SPECIAL GUESTS, AND THE TORONTO ARTILLERY FOUNDATION BAND AS THEY PRESENT AN EVENING OF MUSIC, PERFORMANCE AND PAGEANTRY IN HONOUR OF OUR VETERANS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL TICKETS ONLINE, OR AT THE DOOR lestweforgetevent.com 28 | October 2018 thewholenote.com WHOLENOTE MAGAZINE

Vesnivka Choir in concert in Senlis, 2014 tour Vesnivka Commemorates the Holodomor Under the iron fist of Stalin’s Soviet Russia, millions of Ukrainians died from government-sponsored famine, neglect and isolation during peacetime. Restricting people from escaping famine-stricken communities, imposing total government control of food production, confiscating food and restricting community access to it, the Soviet government created the conditions for famine and millions died. Writing together, artistic director Halyna Kondracki and executive member Lesia Komorowsky responded to a few of my inquiries about the commemorative concert. Chorister Valentina Kuryliw also provided comments. Their knowledge and gracious sharing of history show a connection and thoughtfulness bridging the important acts of memory, religion and music. In 2003 and 2008, the choir commemorated the 70th and A CANADIAN CELEBRATION October 28 at 2PM with special guests The Pipes & Drums of The 48th Highlanders of Canada Danielle Bourré THE BAND OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF CANADA THE GREAT WAR A COMMEMORATION SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2018 • 4:00 PM FEATURING Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto | Lydia Adams, conductor Shawn Grenke, conductor, piano and organ | Amy Dodington, soprano Paul Winkelmans, baritone | Nelson Lohnes, bass baritone Single tickets: | | For tickets, call (416) 446-0188 www.amadeuschoir.com Eglinton St. George’s United Church 35 Lytton Blvd, Toronto (at Lytton Blvd and Duplex Ave, one block west of Yonge St) PRESENTING SPONSOR Glenn Gould Studio Tickets: www.artsboxoffice.ca or 416.504.7529 We are grateful to our concert sponsors: the family of Barbara and Daryl Hodgins. thewholenote.com October 2018 | 29