Welcome to the 24.25 season of Pro Coro Canada!
I am very excited to present to you the performance season of Edmonton’s professional choir, Pro Coro Canada. We have a season of unforgettable choral experiences, each event offering a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and celebration.
We start the season with the North American premiere of The Emperor’s New Clothes, a delightful musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale by composer Uģis Prauliņš. Featuring both adult and children’s choirs, this vibrant performance includes narration and audience participation, and features Shumayela (Dir. Kimberley Denis).
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Christmas Carol, a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved story set to music by Grammy-nominated composer Benedict Sheehan. Narrated by Adam Robertson, this heartwarming event returns by popular demand, complete with a festive after-concert reception.
Continue the seasonal reflection with The Little Match Girl, a poignant musical setting of Hans Christian Andersen’s story by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang. Now in its 13th year, this Advent tradition captures the timeless themes of hope and resilience, offering a moving experience for all.
And, in a new venue for 2024, ring in the New Year with a joyous celebration, where you’ll enjoy a mix of popular and classical tunes, perfect for singing along and toasting to the year ahead. A Glass of Bubbles will be served in the elegant Newcombe Room!
Our first performance in 2025, Let Us Cheer the Weary Traveller, delves into the evocative works of Nathaniel Dett, a pioneering Black composer known for his innovative use of African-American folk songs and spirituals. Under the direction of guest conductor Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, this concert promises an emotional and educational musical journey.
On Good Friday, experience Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem in its two-piano version, performed by Pro Coro Canada and guest I Coristi. Featuring the next generation of exceptional vocalists, Erin Moore, soprano, and Connor Hoppenbrouwers, baritone, join us alongside Leanne Regehr and Roger Admiral at the pianos. This concert offers a profound reflection on the Passion of Christ.
We conclude the season with a daring and innovative concert featuring cutting-edge choral music. The program includes Jason Noble’s Furiouser and Spuriouser, which explores the complexities of social media. This performance features also our choir of emerging artists #connect. We invite you to embrace new sounds and perspectives, celebrating the creativity and innovation that define Pro Coro Canada.
Each of these events offers a unique musical experience, showcasing the diverse talents and visionary spirit of Pro Coro Canada.
While you will be able to see Pro Coro Canada perform live only in November, the choir is singing already in September, recording a new album with music by local sound artist noel fanaeian. And, our recent recording of choral works by Uģis Prauliņš will be released at our November concert!
I am also happy to report that over the summer we have migrated our entire video library onto this very website, and you will be able to access over 100 tracks from our concerts from the last 5 years! This feature will be available at the end of August, and will go hand-in-hand with our concert livestreams which will now be provided FOR FREE directly on our website. We are at your fingertips here on www.procoro.ca!
So, join us for a season filled with Bold Stories and Bold Sounds!
Michael Zaugg
Managing and Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor