On November 9, 2024, Cantabile Choirs will present “Reborn: Songs of War & Peace,” a concert focusing on the intersection of music, conflict, and remembrance. The performance will take place at The Spire, 82 Sydenham Street, Kingston, Ontario, at 7:30 p.m.
The concert program will feature a range of musical traditions that explore the theme of remembrance. Among the featured works are excerpts from Joel Thompson’s composition, “Seven Last Words of Unarmed.” This piece, which memorializes the last words of unarmed Black men killed by police, serves as a reflection on ongoing social justice issues.
The program will also include music from a diverse group of composers, including Mark Sirett, Eleanor Daley, Ola Gjeilo, Samuel Barber, Hussein Janmohamed, and Cree-Dene composer Sherryl Sewepegaham, whose work incorporates Indigenous perspectives on memory and healing. Bob Dylan’s song “Blowin’ in the Wind” will also be performed, providing a reflection on the ongoing quest for peace and justice. The varied musical styles and cultural voices featured in the concert aim to connect audiences with the ways in which music can evoke both remembrance and hope.
“Music has a unique power to heal and unite, and transcends generation and culture,” said Geoffrey Sirett, Artistic-Executive Director of Cantabile Choirs. “This event is a call to remembrance and a step toward understanding the complexities of our shared human experience.”
Tickets for the event are available at the Kingston Grand Theatre Box Office or online at kingstongrand.ca/events/cantabile24_reborn. Additional information regarding Cantabile Choirs and their upcoming season can be found at cantabilechoirs.ca.
Cantabile Choirs of Kingston is one of Canada’s largest choral organizations, composed of seven ensembles for participants of all ages. The organization is committed to musical excellence and community engagement, and has received national and international recognition for its innovative performances.
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