Kappella Kyrie

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.

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. 

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 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!

Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir is pleased to present PRAISE with special guests Shumayela, an Edmonton-based choir for treble and changing voices, part of the Kokopelli Choir family. The concert will be held on May 13 at 7:30 PM, at the First Presbyterian Church (10025 105 Street).

The evening's program is centred on American composer Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. Leonard Bernstein was born to Ukrainian-Jewish parents from Rivne, Ukraine. Kappella Kyrie and Shumayela will perform a version scored for organ, harp, and percussion, with a treble solo performed by Shumayela’s young soloist, Alena Malykhina. Shumayela and Kappella Kyrie will also jointly perform Grammy-nominated composer, Benedict Sheehan’s “Second Antiphon” and Brazilian composer Ernani Aguiar’s Salmo 150.

This program aims to feature living composers. Psalm texts are prolific in the services of the Eastern Christian Church and will include excerpts from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and Vespers from Ukrainian-Canadian composer Roman Hurko, two Grammy-nominated composers, Benedict Sheehan and Kurt Sander, among others. Tickets for PRAISE are $25 (general admission), $20 (student/senior), and free for 12 and under. Tickets are available in advance online at eventbrite.ca or at the door. 

"The wait was worth it", writes Macro Levytsky.

Click here to read the full review from New Pathways Ukrainian News: https://newpathway.ca/kappella-kyrie-shines-with-the-true-light/

Click here to read the full article on the Edmonton Journal website.

Yurii Hryorash  joins the St. Josephat's Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral Choir to sing the Divine Liturgy. Yurii will also be performing with Kappella Kyrie on Saturday, Nov 26 2022 at the West End Christian Reformed Church.

$22,000 was raised by Kappella Kyrie and the Richard Eaton Singers at their June 19 Peace and Reconciliation concert at the Winspear Centre for Music in Edmonton. These funds were donated in the form of grocery cards to the Ukrainian Canadian Social Services. 

Here is a link to a news article that was printed in the "New Pathways" (Ukrainian) newspaper.
https://newpathway.ca/kappella-kyrie-raises-22000-for-ucss-edmonton/

Kappella Kyrie is accepting new choristers for upcoming season. Please contact Dr. Melanie Turgeon (Melanie.Turgeon@kingsu.ca) to schedule time for a voice placement.

On July 5, Kappella Kyrie was proud to perform the "Kontakion" at the 2022 General Assembly for the Christian & Missionary Alliance in Canada.

Click here to read the full review from New Pathways Ukrainian News: https://newpathway.ca/a-choral-tribute-to-ukraine-in-edmonton/

On June 19, 2022, Kappella Kyrie, along with the Richard Eaton Singers performed our "Peace and Reconciliation" concert at the Winspear as a fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees in Edmonton. The concert was a great success. We were honored to have the Consul General of Ukraine In Edmonton, Mr. Oleksandr Danyleiko along with over 800 people joined us. The concert raised over $22,000.

This past weekend, Kappella Kyrie's own Dr. Melanie Turgeon and the Richard Eaton Singers' Music Director Leonard Ratzlaff were interviewed about our upcoming concert by Orest Soltykevychon on his CKUA show "Raising Voices."

Tickets are still available for the performance on June 18: CLICK HERE

In preparation for our joint concert with the Richard Eaton Singers on June 19th at the Winspear Centre, Kappella Kyrie director Dr. Melanie Turgeon guest-conducted a rehearsal for RES this past week.

To get tickets for this reflective performance, click here.

To conclude their season, Kappella Kyrie is delighted to collaborate with the Richard Eaton Singers in a program of Slavonic music emanating from Ukraine, as well as other repertoire on the theme of Peace and Reconciliation.

"Peace and Reconciliation" - Sunday, June 19, 2022, 4pm

Winspear Centre
4 Sir Winston Churchill Square
Edmonton

Richard Eaton Singers
Kappella Kyrie, Guest Choir
Leonard Ratzlaff, Conductor

As difficult as this last year has been, Kappella Kyrie has continued with a modified rehearsal schedule as the AHS guidelines permitted through a combination of online live streaming and in person octets. 

It's great to be back rehearsing together both in person and online! Under the direction and innovation of Dr. Melanie Turgeon, we have already started preparing for the first concert in our 2020/21 season:

"Seen the True Light", An Evening with Ukrainian baritone, Yurii Hryhorash - featuring Dr. Leanne Regehr on piano, and Dr. Marnie Giesbrecht on organ.

Saturday, February 6 2021 - 7:30pm, West End Christian Reformed Church, 10015 - 149 Street Edmonton, Alberta

Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir would like to share their 10th Anniversary Concert: “A Journey Through Lent.” Not even two weeks after this concert took place all larger public gatherings were forbidden. We hope this concert featuring Kappella Kyrie and The King’s University Chamber Choir and music faculty helps you to have a blessed Holy Week and Happy Easter. 

On Saturday, February 29, 2020, Kappella Kyrie celebrated it's 10th year anniversary with a sold out concert, “A Journey Through Lent”, with guests from The King’s University Chamber Choir as well as featuring Joachim Segger and Charles Stolte from The King’s Music Faculty.

Global News Edmonton interviewed our conductor, Dr. Melanie Turgeon, about Kappella Kyrie's upcoming 10th anniversary concert. Check out the clip below.

On June 7, 2019, Kappella Kyrie Chamber Choir held their final concert of the 2018-2019 season at the West End Christian Reformed Church to great acclaim. Check out media coverage of the concert, as well as photos and videos of the performances below.

Article: New Pathway Ukrainian News - "Kappella Kyrie stages North American premiere of Vedel’s Sacred Concerto with Orchestra"

Dmytro Bortniansky (1751-1825) Як славен (How Glorious)

Maksym Berezovsky (1745-1777) Радуйтеся, праведнії (Rejoice, O You Just)

Myron Fedoriv Богородице Діво (Hail Mary)

Artem Vedel’ (1767-1808) Choral Concerto ,,Помолихся лицу Твоему всем сердцем моим’’

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) Gloria (RV 589)

This past Saturday, June 1, Dr. Melanie Turgeon was interviewed by Orest Soltykevych on CKUA's "Saturday Breakfast" program about Kappella Kyrie's upcoming concert, "I Entreated Thy Favour..." which takes place on June 7, 2019.

The program will include the Canadian premier of a sacred concerto by Artem Vedel and Vivaldi's famous Gloria accompanied by a guest orchestra playing on period instruments, with guest soloists. More information on the concert can be found here.

Check out the interview below:

In May 2019, conductor and baroque violinist, Mark Bailey, visited Edmonton from Yale University. Kappella Kyrie was honoured to have the chance to learn from his expertise and sing under his conductorship.

Check out a few photos from his visit below.

Public Lecture with Dr. Melanie Turgeon and Mr. Mark Bailey … we had a full house !

Kappella Kyrie has workshop with Mark Bailey and Orchestra … instruction on Baroque concerto performance style.

with Mark Bailey and Dr. Melanie Turgeon. 

Mark Bailey is founding artistic director of the American Baroque Orchestra (ABO), reflecting his extensive work in the field of musical performance practice. While his focus for many years has been on the repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries (and remains so), he now has expanded into the realm of Romantic-era style and performance as well, especially through the use of historical sound recordings. Mr. Bailey also runs the choral conducting program and leads the Mahanaim Choir at the Gracias music program, a collegiate-level music school in Huntington, New York, and is the director of the Yale Collection of Historical Sound Recordings.

Mr. Bailey earned his undergraduate music degree from the Eastman School of Music, where he was also an assistant conductor for the school’s student orchestras and opera department, and, by extension, the Heidelberg Castle Opera Festival, Heidelberg, Germany. He then earned is masters degree in conducting from The Yale School of Music (through the Yale Institute of Sacred Music). He has studied orchestral conducting principally with Harold Farberman, David Effron, and Daniel Lewis, and choral conducting with Marguerite Brooks. 

Mark Bailey (Yale University) will conduct a three day workshop with Kappella Kyrie (May 9, 2019 to May 11, 2019). Of his many accomplishments, Mr. Bailey  has discovered numerous new perspectives on performance practices regarding beloved masterworks of the baroque and classical eras and is also project director of Ukrainian Voices: Music of a Nation, for which he concertizes and promotes the music of Ukrainian-born composers from the baroque, classical, and early romantic periods. 

Kappella Kyrie are the invited guest ensemble to the Tranquil Light year-end concert for King's University Choirs.

The concert is Friday March 16, 2018 at 7:30 pm
All Saint's Anglican Cathedral
10035-103 Street
Edmonton, Alberta

Tickets are available at the door.

Kappella Kyrie with be performing with internationally reknowned tenor Benjamin Butterfield on Wednesday November 15 at 730 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church (Edmonton)

10025 105 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1C8

Featuring:

Dr. Joachim Segger, Piano,

Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir, Dr. Melanie Turgeon, Conductor,

Elizabeth Raycroft, Soprano,

Jihwan Cho, Baritone

Works by Chesnokov, Gounod, Leontovych, Liudkevych, Lysenko, Macintyre, Stepovyi, and others.

Tickets available at:
Eventbrite (thekingsu.eventbrite.ca),

The King's University Bookstore (780) 465-8306,

or at the door.
$20 / Adults
$15 / Seniors, Alumni, and Non-King's Students
$5 / Children under 12
King's students free with valid ID

Info (780) 465-3500 Ext. 8028
www.KingsU.ca

Take advantage of this unique opportunity and experience a worship service in Edmonton’s Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, consisting exclusively of a longstanding tradition of a cappella singing. Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir will sing The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and share music spanning from the 17th to the 21st century, including works by Diletsky, Bortniansky, Gretchaninoff, Tavener, Hurko, and numerous other composers. St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral (10825 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB) is an ideal setting for this Podium event, given that it is a provincial historical site and a monument of church architecture in North America. This special event is associated with the Podium 2016 Choral Congress and Festival.

This Divine Liturgy will occur Sunday, May 22 2016 at 9 am.

Video from Kappella Kyrie January 2015 Winter Concert "Totus Tuus"

Visit our YouTube Channel

See current Kappella Kyrie pictures:

In May 2014, Kappella Kyrie and King's University Chamber Choir enjoyed a wonderful tour of Poland, Slovakia and Hungary.  Please check back soon for a more in-depth writeup about our experiences.

Kappella Kyrie and King's Chamber Choir at Krasiczyn Castle, Poland
Kappella Kyrie and King's Chamber Choir at Hotel Stela in Levoca, Slovakia