Kappella Kyrie held its first rehearsal with guest choirs in preparation for its upcoming May 10, 2025 concert at the Winspear Centre entitled, “Blending of Sounds.” Kappella Kyrie will collaborate with five choirs to form a mass choir of approximately 150 singers to perform the world premiere of Ukrainian composer Myroslav Volynsky’s cantata Господні терези (Hospodni terezy) for choir, orchestra, and soloists. This exciting concert shares the passion that makes Ukrainian Canadian music so beautiful.
“… 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 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.
Christmas joy and cheer were shared by all on Monday, December 18, 2023, when Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir performed at two local schools, St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School and St. Martin Catholic Elementary School.
Kappella Kyrie sang a selection of both English and Ukrainian Christmas carols to the delight of students and staff alike at these two Edmonton Ukrainian bilingual schools. Particularly popular selections included, Shchedryk (Carol of the Bells), Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, and, of course, Jingle Bells! Students brought down the house with their incredibly boisterous and enthusiastic participation in singing Jingle Bells with the choir. They also had a chance to participate in the music making with bells and tambourines, and one lucky student at each school got the chance to conduct the choir’s rendition of Silent Night.
The choir was delighted with the smiles, cheers, and singing of the students. Hearts were warmed on both sides and Christmas spirit was certainly overflowing.
June 13, 2023 – Ukrainian baritone and artistic collaborator with Kappella Kyrie, Yurii Hryhorash performs Ukrainian art songs for Opera Nuova.
Melanie Turgeon presents on the Ukrainian Art Song Project. Yurii Hryhorash and Leanne Regehr perform Ukrainian art songs for the faculty and singers of Opera Nuova.
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.
