Kappella Kyrie capped off the 2023-2024 season with their long anticipated CD release concert and reception.

“… a majestic program of sacred music… executed with remarkable precision and harmony, creating a wall of choral sound that reverberated throughout the venue.”
– Marco Levytsky, New Pathways Ukrainian News
(Click here to read the full review from New Pathways Ukrainian News)

“… congratulations to Melanie and Yurii and all of you on such a fantastic concert last Thursday as well – it was sung with such power and emotion. What a terrific way to officially launch your recording into the world.“
– Dr. Leanne Regehr
Piano Instructor, The King’s University
Keyboardist, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra

The concert featured highlights from the CD as well as various other works. Notably, the world premiere of local composer Diana Taylor’s The Resurrection. Yurii Hryhorash from L’viv Ukraine, who is a featured soloist on the CD, was able to join from overseas.

It was a superb evening of music making and celebration. Kappella Kyrie is so grateful to all their patrons and supporters who helped us get here!

Kappella Kyrie celebrating the milestone of the completion of our first CD!

Thanks to our dedicated and very hard-working core CD team of Andrea Leader, Melanie Turgeon, and Wally Tarnawsky (pictured below).

Kappella Kyrie was invited to collaborate with Mazurka Music and Art Society for their March 24th, 2024 concert. The choir sang an a cappella set in the first half of the program, and joined forces with pianist Mikolaj Warszynski to perform Franz Liszt’s Via Crucis in the second half. Via Crucis is a work scored for piano, choir, and soloists, which sets music for the 14 Stations of the Cross. This moving work received a warm reception from the full house at The Anglican Parish of Christ Church, Edmonton, AB.

Kappella Kyrie members braved the cold at St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 as they worked hard to complete recording the final pieces for their upcoming CD, due to be released at Kappella Kyrie’s concert, “Alleluia” on May 30, 2024.

Because of heating issues in the building, choir members had to bundle up for the chilly temperatures. However, spirits were warmed making music together in such a spectacular space.

Kappella Kyrie’s multi-talented accompanist, Katie Tilbury has painted a stunning work of art for the cover of the choir’s upcoming CD, set to be released at their May 30, 2024  “Alleluia” concert. The work’s bright colors and theme evoke a sense of depth, joy, and diversity that are reflective of Kappella Kyrie and the repertoire they sing. 

June 14, 2023 – Kappella Kyrie’s second recording session at First Presbyterian Church.

June 13, 2023 – Ukrainian baritone and artistic collaborator with Kappella Kyrie, Yurii Hryhorash performs Ukrainian art songs for Opera Nuova.

June 1, 2023 – Kappella Kyrie’s first recording session at St George Ukrainian Catholic Church .

We are grateful for our fantastic audience as we presented PRAISE An Evening of Psalm Texts, along with Shumayela on May 13. Thank you to all who attended. It is always a joy to share music with others and we look forward to bringing you more programming as our choir works towards new and exciting opportunities.

Here are a few words from our conductor, Dr. Melanie Turgeon. 

“It was an honour to collaborate with such talented local instrumentalists and the acclaimed treble choir, Shumayela to present this program of psalm texts. Corresponding with Ksenia Stetsenko as we prepared for the premiere of her composition was a highlight, as was our workshop with Benedict Sheehan. To be able to perform three works that are part of larger compositions, which have been nominated for Grammy Awards, was truly unique and amazing. The audience was engaged and responsive and this made for a very memorable evening.”

“What an amazing evening. I can’t find the words to describe the joy that the performance elicited. The beauty of the choral voices resonating in such perfect acoustical surroundings was sheer perfection. And the Shumayela choir did not disappoint – what a talented group.”
– Khrystia Kohut, Director, Alberta Ukrainian Commemorative Society

We’re excited to let you know we will begin a new recording project on June 1. Keep an eye out for some behind-the-scenes photos. We anticipate to release the recording in the spring of 2024. Stay tuned!

Your generous support at any level enables Kappella Kyrie to develop, promote and grow the appreciation of Slavic sacred music through high quality choral performances. Please visit our Donate page to give.

Last weekend we were thrilled to welcome Grammy-nominated composer, Benedict Sheehan, for a three-day workshop in preparation for our upcoming concert. On May 13, we will perform Sheehan’s “Second Antiphon” and share the stage with our young guests from Shumayela.

The weekend was a wonderful celebration of music, an opportunity to learn more about our art and a showcase of the strong choral community in Edmonton.

“My heart is full to bursting with northern hospitality! Heading home after four wonderful days in Edmonton doing workshops with the marvelous folks of Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir and their inspired artistic director Melanie Turgeon.” – Benedict Sheehan

We hope you will join us for PRAISE An Evening of Psalm Texts on May 13.

Tickets are on sale now!