On Saturday, November 8 at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, Kappella Kyrie had the honour of joining Pro Coro Canada for the Alberta premiere of Peter-Anthony Togni’s The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom — a contemporary setting of one of the most enduring liturgical texts of the Eastern Christian tradition.
We were especially grateful to welcome Peter-Anthony Togni in person, who traveled to Edmonton for this concert. Having the composer present in rehearsals was both an honour and a joy. His guidance offered deeper clarity into the work — particularly his emphasis on humility, spiritual depth, and sincere expression.
The contrast between the unadorned chant and Togni’s expressive choral writing created moments of profound introspection alongside passages of rich, resonant sound. Togni describes this work as “iconography becoming sound.” It is music that invites us to hold space for stillness and a shared sacred experience.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Pro Coro Canada for this meaningful collaboration, to the staff and congregation of St. Josaphat’s for welcoming this music into their space, and to our audience, whose response reminded us that this work is not simply performed, but experienced together.
This performance was more than a concert; it was a communal offering of sound, tradition, and sacred reverence. As we continue our season, we carry with us the memory of this extraordinary evening as we look toward the music still ahead this season.
