Canadian Chamber Choir – Oct. 2 (Winnipeg)

Canadian Chamber Choir with Sherryl Sewepagaham

12:30 pm – Friday, October 2 – Desautels Concert Hall – University of Manitoba – Winnipeg, MB

PROGRAM

Sun on Water – Hussein Janmohamed (BC)
Text: Hindu and Indic Ismaili Muslim Traditional; Psalm 130
Additional Cree Text: Sherryl Sewepagaham
Sherryl Sewepagaham, soloist

Sun on Water originated while living at Fool’s Paradise—Canadian artist Doris McCarthy’s home and studio—through the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence Program of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Sun on Water finds its inspiration in the mystery of winter sunrises on Toronto’s Scarborough Bluffs. The colors of the rising sun over Lake Ontario revealed a palpable silence and yearning from which the music emerged. The piece, written specially for Toronto’s Amadeus Choir, is for a cappella choir and optional Tibetan singing bowl. The texts and musical influences come from Western choral music, Middle Eastern rhythms, and Hindu and Indic Ismaili Muslim traditions.

Sun on Water begins quietly as deep waters rumble underneath. Sonic layers reflect the yearning of the sun and water, like lover and beloved, for each other. A burst of sun breaks forth. Yet, as the sun’s rays shimmer on the surface of the lake, the deep water still echoes their mutual yearning for ultimate union.

Surya

Nayno(n) se nayn milavo, mere Saheb

Nipîy kinanaskomitinan

Nipîy kimânacihitinan

Nipîy kisâkihitinan

De profundis clamavi ad te Domine:

Domine exaudi vocem meam

Sun, Supreme Light

Let my eye meet with yours, my Lord/Master/Beloved

Water, we thank you

Water, we respect you

Water, we love you

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord:

Lord, hear my voice

TBA – Sherryl Sewepagaham (AB)
Sherryl Sewepagaham, soloist

Parlez-moi – France Levasseur-Ouimet (AB) arr. Allan Bevan (AB)
Zoitsa Gotziaman, conductor

Je cherche un peu partout
Dans l’espoir de trouver
Quel qu’un qui connait bien la mer et son halein’ salé
Qui pourrait bien me dire
Pour quoi j’ai dans la peau
Le bruit des vagues sur la plage
Le chant liquide et pur de l’eau

Parlez-moi de la mer
Racontez-moi son histoire

Dîtes-moi parlez-moi
Pour que je sois marin pour que je sois marin
Parlez-moir de la mer, Dîtes-moi, parlez-moi

J’ai parlé de la plaine
Aux vieux de mon pays,
Ils n’ont pas su beaucoup m’aider
Ils ne m’ont pas compris.
Ils ont parlé du temps Qui se perd dans l’oubli,
De l’ennui de la solitude Mais de la plaine ils n’ont rien dit

Parlez-moi de la plaine
Racontez-moi son histoire

Dîtes-moi, parlez-moi
Pour que je sois marin pour je sois marin
Parlez-moi de la mer, Dîtes-moi, parlez-moi

J’ai parlé à ma mère, Elle qui connaît si bien
Tous les grands héros légendaires
Dont on me dit plus rien.

Elle m’a parlé d’espoir
De la mort de la vie

De l’amour du don du chagrin
Mais de la terre elle n’z rien dit.

Enseignez moi la terre
Apprenez moi la la mer
Expliquez moi la plaine
Pour que je la comprenne
Donnez moi les mots qui’l me faut,

Parlez-moi de la terre
Racontez-moi son histoire , Dîtes-moi,
parlez-moi pour que je sois gardien pour que je sois gardien

Parlez-moi de la terre
Dîtes-moi, parlez-moi

I search everywhere in the hope of finding someone who knows the salty breath of the sea, someone who can tell me why the sound of the waves on the shore and the pure and liquid song of the sea flow through my very being.

Speak to me of the sea. Tell me its story so that I may become a sailor.
I spoke of the prairies to the elders of my country but they could not help me. They did not understand me. They spoke of time that is lost in forgetfulness, of loneliness, of solitude but of the prairies they said nothing.

Speak to me of the prairies. Tell me their story so that I may be able to see beyond the horizon.

I spoke to my mother. She knows so well all the great legendary heroes of which we no longer speak. She spoke to me of hope, of death, of life, of love, of giving and of grief. But of the earth she did not speak. Teach me the earth and the sea and the prairies so that I may understand them. Give me the words that I need.

Speak to me of the earth. Tell me its story so that I may become its guardian.

~Translation by France Levasseur-Ouimet

Nukum – Alex Vollant (QC)
with Deep Roots

Multi-talented artist Alexis Vollant hails from the Innu community of Pessamit, in the Côte-Nord region of Québec. In the Innu language, Nukum means “grandmother.” In this deeply personal work, the composer reflects on the special relationships between children and their grandmothers, honouring Elders for their wisdom, patience, resilience and courage. Through the voice of a grandchild filled with questions, the piece evokes the passing of knowledge between generations – knowledge of the land, language, culture and the many stories and secrets held by those who came before.

Nukum
tshipatshi a itapishtin uenapissish?
tshetshi tipatshimushtuin
ueshkat ka aussiuin
tan itenitakanipan nutshimit
anu mishapan

Grand-mother
Can I lay down next to you for a while?
Can you tell me about life
When you were young
When our land was bigger

We Are Carried – Scott Reimer (MB)

This piece was the winner of Choral Canada’s 2026 Competition for Choral Writing and premiered at PODIUM 2026 in Victoria. The composer writes, “This piece took form as the first waves of peace emerged amid a long, stormy haze of grief following the death of our child. Throughout the grieving process, I have come to recognize the many ways that our community of family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues has carried us over the past two years. We carry each other in thoughts and prayers. We carry our elders and ancestors in grief and memories. We carry our children in our arms and hopes for the future, but also occasionally at times of ultimate devastation, in caskets. I cherish these years of carrying my daughter. I miss feeling the weight of my son in my arms.

We are carried
In life,

In hopes,in dreams,
In wombs,in arms,
In hands,in hearts,

In love,in grief,
In life,in prayers,
In death,in memory.

In all things,
At all times,
We are carried.

Antara – Tracy Wong (ON)
Text: Malay – Mohd Fairuz bin Mohd Tauhid

ANTARA (Between) was commissioned in 2021 by Exultate Chamber Singers (Mark Ramsay, Artistic Director) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. This piece is a musical expression of being “in between” and the celebration of human resilience. The music reflects this through texts by Malay lyricist Mohamad Fairuz bin Mohamad Tauhid, which suggests that strength, in times of conflict, comes from recognizing on our growth and embracing discomfort. This is explored in various sections through asymmetry (being in limbo), pedal points (stillness), and rhythmic drive (anxious / anticipation / excitement). The loose rondo form allows the theme (“antara”) to return in between sections of these musical thoughts.

Antara
Dari duduk oh berdiri
Cabar hati
Kuatkan jati
Dari pegun oh berlari

between
from sitting to standing
challenge (your) heart
strengthen your inner-self
from stillness to running

Hunker Down – Tobin Stokes (BC)

Tobin Stokes’ “Hunker Down” brings a stormy day on the British Columbia coast vividly to life. Set in Powell River, where the composer grew up, the work looks out across familiar landmarks: Van Anda and Blubber Bay on Texada Island, and the hulks – the imposing row of decommissioned ships anchored offshore as a breakwater for the local paper mill.

As the weather rolls in, Hunker Down captures something equally familiar to coastal communities: the instinct to batten down, gather together and wait out the storm. Commissioned by Chor Musica Men’s Choir, the work is an affectionate portrait of Stokes’ hometown, shaped by wind and sea, industry and history, and the resilience of the people who call the west coast home.

No you won’t be leavin’ on the sea tonight,
there are whitecaps comin’ an’ it don’t feel right.
All the tugs are tyin’ up their booms below
to the bouys down Marine in a long neat row.

Well the noon boat left for good today,
and the other one is broke down at Salt’ry Bay.
Hang- in’ over Forbidden is a darknin’ sky,
So you can’t take the plane ‘cuz it ain’t gon-na fly.

Hunker down for the evening, shut your doors and windows tight,
there’s a South eastern comin’, hunker down for the night.

Well there ain’t no road you can drive a way
and besides you’d be lost if you drove all day,
so there ain’t no trail ‘cuz you’d break your back,
and there ain’t no train ‘cuz there ain’t no track.

If your boat’s in the harbour then you’d better go check
that the ropes are tight, or you’ll own a wreck.
If your kids are playing down at Grief Point Park,
motor down, pick ’em up, get ’em home be-fore dark.

Hunker down for some weather,
hunker down to keep warm,
there’s a Southeastern com in’,
hunker down for the storm.

If the firs are swayin’ and they’re lookin’ to break
better pray if you got a cabin up the lake
If the crows stop flyin’ and the gulls sit still
then the hulks ‘ll get a poundin’ down in front of the mill.

Well there hasn’t been a blast since two today
Not a sound from Vananda up to Blubber Bay,
so forget it if you’re hopin’ to get outta this town,
better make your final meal before the pow- er’s down!

Hunker down for the evening, shut your doors and windows tight,
there’s a Southeastern comin’, hunker down for the night.
Hunker down for the eve – ning, she will blow with all her might!
There’s a Southeastern comin’, hunker down for the night!

River – Joni Mitchell (SK) arr. Joel Tranquilla (NS)

Karla Ferguson, soloist
Joel Tranquilla, pianist

Originally recorded in 1971 on the album Blue, “River” is a folk classic and one of Joni Mitchell’s most famous contributions to the Canadian songbook. Reportedly based on the singer-songwriter’s romantic breakup with fellow folk musician, Graham Nash, “River” is about love, loss, and the journeys our lives take us on.

It’s comin’ on Christmas,
They’re cuttin’ down trees.
They’re puttin’ up reindeer
And singin’ songs of joy and peace,
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

But it don’t snow here,
Stays pretty green.
I’m gonna make a lot of money
Then I’m gonna quit this crazy scene.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I wish I had a river so long,
I would teach my feet to fly.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.
I made my baby cry.

He tried hard to help me, you know,
He put me at ease.
And he loved me so naughty,
made me weak in the knees.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I’m so hard to handle,
I’m selfish and I’m sad.
Now I’ve gone and lost the best baby
That I ever had.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I wish I had a river so long,
I would teach my feet to fly.
Oh, I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

I made my baby say goodbye.
It’s comin’ on Christmas…

Auprès de la baie – Justin Lapierre (ON)
Text: Sabrina Goupil

There by the bay, where I grew up,
I did not hear their cries or pleas.
They have tried to make me understand,
But it was too late;
The end had started.

Go forth, sail on!

In seeing the ocean with my own eyes,
Shaken by the storm and the bad weather,
I saw its strakes in the foam
Flowing sodden with tears,
Drowned in sadness.

Go forth, sail on!

When the clouds have dissipated,
And when the ground has lifted towards the sky,
Its purifying hand will block out the sun;
A wave which gives life –
And takes it away

Auprès de la baie, là où j’ai grandi,
Je n’ai pas entendu ses cris, ses supplies.
On a voulu me faire comprendre,
Mais il était trop tard;
la fin avait commencé.

Avancez, naviguez!

En voyant l’océan de mes yeux,
Enragé par l’orage et le mauvais temps,
J’ai vu ses virures dans la mousse
En coulant trempé de larmes,
Noyé dans sa tristesse.

Avancez, naviguez!

Quand les nuages seront dissipés,
Et quand le sol se lève vers le ciel,
Sa main qui purifie bloquera le soleil;
Une vague qui fait vivre –
Mais elle nous tue.

Song for a Winter’s Night – Gordon Lightfoot (ON) arr. Jacob Gramit (BC)
Chris Bowman, soloist

An iconic song by one of Canada’s most beloved singer-songwriters, “Song for a Winter’s Night” has been recorded by many prominent artists, including Lightfoot himself in 1967. In the lyrics, there’s a poignant combination of nostalgia and regret – for something lost or perhaps something just waiting to be rekindled.

The lamp is burnin’ low upon my table top,
The snow is softly falling.
The air is still within the silence of my room,
I hear your voice softly calling.
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two,
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter’s night with you

The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead,
My glass is almost empty.
I read again between the lines upon the page,
The words of love you sent me.
If I could know within my heart
That you were lonely too,
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love

On this winter’s night with you
The fire is dying now, my lamp is going down,
The shades of night are lifting.
The mornin’ light steals across my window pane
Where webs of snow are drifting.
If I could only have you near
To breathe a sigh or two,
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love
On this winter’s night with you,

To be once again with you.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

CANADIAN CHAMBER CHOIR

The multi-JUNO-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir (CCC) is Canada’s only professional choir with national representation.

Led by Julia Davids (Artistic Director) and Joel Tranquilla (Associate Conductor), it is comprised of singers from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia to the Northwest Territories.

The CCC creates, celebrates and communicates Canadian identity through choral performance and education, and it is passionate about building community through choral singing.

SOPRANOS

Taylor Burns (MB)
Zoitsa Gotziaman (ON)**
Catherine Lippitt (AB)
Chloe Shantz (AB)*
Danielle Sirek (ON)
Chloé Thiessen (BC)

TENORS

Chris Bowman (NS)
Darrell Christie (ON)
Tristan Cleveland-Thompson (NL)
Scott Reimer (MB)

ALTOS

Deborah Buck (SK)
Karla Ferguson (MB)
Sandy Jasper (MB)
Naomi Russell (MB)

BASSES

Thomas Cherney (ON)
Christopher Lane (NB)
Christopher Mallory (ON)
Matt Pauls (MB)
Jereme Wall (MB)

* Singer Apprentice
** Conducting Fellow

DR. JULIA DAVIDS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Dr. Julia Davids is passionate about the difference music makes for individuals and communities. She comes from London, Ontario, Canada, where she grew up singing with her church choir, the Amabile Youth Singers, the Ontario Youth Choir, and the National Youth Choir. Julia is a founding member of the Canadian Chamber Choir, Canada’s national professional choir dedicated to building communities through choral singing. Artistic Director of the CCC since 2004, she returns to Canada multiple times a year to conduct and sing with the ensemble.

Julia is the Stephen J. Hendrickson Professor of Music and Music Department Chair at North Park University where she directs the University Choir and Chamber Singers and teaches vocal pedagogy and conducting. Julia coauthored with Stephen LaTour the award-winning book, Vocal Technique – A Guide to Classical and Contemporary Styles for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers, published by Waveland Press, now in a second edition. She is a frequent workshop and master class leader and has presented at numerous conferences for organizations including Choral Canada, the American Choral Director’s Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She enjoys singing professionally with Bella Voce and other choirs in the Chicago area. Julia has earned degrees from Western University, the University of Michigan, and a D.M. from Northwestern University.

SHERRYL SEWEPAGAHAM – COLLABORATOR

Sherryl Sewepagaham, a dynamic Cree-Dene artist from Little Red River Cree Nation, Northern Alberta, blends her heritage with artistry, composition, and education.

She is a doctoral student in ethnomusicology and devoted over two decades to music education from kindergarten to grade 6, infusing Indigenous musical traditions. She also holds a Bachelor of Music Therapy (Capilano University), a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education (University of Alberta).

Sherryl is a 22-year member of the 2005 Juno-nominated, Edmonton-based trio Asani and composes drum songs in the Cree language. Asani received a 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award, a 2010 Indian Summer Music Award, a 2005 Canadian Aboriginal Music Award, and many other music awards nominations. Asani toured extensively around the world performing at Carnegie Hall in New York, The Kennedy Centre in Washington D.C., and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver BC.

Sherryl is also a composer of traditional and contemporary First Nations drum songs. Her 2014 debut solo album, Splashing the Water Loudly, received a 2015 Indigenous Music Award nomination and is featured in APTN’s Chaos and Courage series. Sherryl wrote the music and lyrics for the National Arts Centre’s Music Alive Program (MAP) song, “Music Alive”, which has been shared with elementary schools across Canada. Sherryl also created and co-created three teacher resources for the MAP program and continues to develop cultural programs for music teachers.

DEBORAH BUCK – PIANIST

Deborah Buck is a singer, pianist, teacher and music director who has performed with the Canadian Chamber Choir since 2005. Based in Saskatchewan, she has collaborated with the Saskatoon Symphony, Saskatoon Opera, University of Saskatchewan Greystone Singers and Saskatoon Chamber Singers. She also teaches voice, adjudicates music festivals, and has nearly 30 years of professional theatre experience.

ZOITSA GOTZIAMAN – CONDUCTING FELLOW

Zoitsa (Zoë) Gotziaman is a Toronto-based mezzo-soprano and conductor. She sings with The Nathaniel Dett Chorale and has performed in more than 30 operas and with ensembles including Canzona and Dead of Winter. A University of Manitoba graduate, she conducts the Butterfly Chorus at the Canadian Children’s Opera Company and co-directs the St. Brigid Children’s Choir.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to our generous homestay hosts, potluck providers, volunteers, and supporters in Brandon and Winnipeg. Thank you in particular to Sandy Jasper, Naomi Russell, Great Plains Voices, Deep Roots Community Choir, Prairie Blend Low Voice Choir, Deanna Ginn, Laurie & Mike Crowe, Agnes & Tom Keep, Karen & Bob McManus, Angela & Gary Brawn, Lisa & Cam Brichon, Alexis Korzeniowski, Kim Lewarne, Bernie Whetter, Craig Miller, Knox United Church, First Presbyterian Church, Kathy & Scott Lancaster, Pat & Ron Jasper, Susan & Jeff Elliott, Westman Lions Manor, World of Water, Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Marla Fontaine (École secondaire Neelin High School), Clint McLachlan (Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School), and Mitchell Wedgewood (Vincent Massey High School), Mel Braun, Andrew Balfour, Dr. Jody Stark, Dr. Elroy Friesen, and others.