Nationally recognized choir sings at Braeside Presbyterian

Chronos Vocal Ensemble is one of the newest jewels in the Capital Region’s musical crown.

Nationally recognized after only two years on the block, the group is slated to perform Requiem: War and Peace, Life and Death at Braeside Presbyterian Church Nov. 12.

Admired for its clarity and dramatic intensity, the 32-person mixed a cappella choir has mastered the art of creating beautiful sacred music.

Hoping to promote the Edmonton-based vocal ensemble, artistic director/conductor Jordan Van Biert submitted Chronos’ nine-track CD, Presenting Chronos Vocal Ensemble, at the National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs.

Unknowingly he pushed the elite group to another level. Not only did Chronos receive gold in the mixed-voice adult category. The choir also swept the competition away winning the grand prize.

“The category win was amazing and a real honour. I was excited to get our name out there, but to find out we had won the grand prize – I was absolutely bowled over,” said Van Biert.

He accepted Canada Council’s Healey Willan Grand Prize on behalf of the choir on Canada Day at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa at the Unisong Festival.

“That day the feeling was absolute elation and a great sense of satisfaction in our achievements.”

After the formalities were over, Van Biert texted the various choir members.

St. Albert pianist David Fraser, a baritone said, “I was shocked. Chronos is still in its infancy. The win is a testament to Jordan and how he leads. It was a huge confidence booster and victory for us – something we are all so proud of.”

Launching into the season on an adrenaline rush, Chronos embraces a series of beautifully crafted songs from the 19th century to more contemporary works.

The focal point is Herbert Howell’s Requiem. The nine-minute work is a deeply haunting and moving meditative service for remembrance.

It was written after the tragic death of Michael, his nine-year-old son. The setting became an outpouring of grief and reflects on themes of peace and honouring the dead.

“The musical language Howells uses is difficult harmonically, so it takes intense work to feel comfortable with it, but the results will be moving,” Van Biert noted.

A second Howells’ composition is Take Him, Earth, for Cherishing was commissioned for a Canadian-American service on the one-year anniversary of President John Kennedy’s assassination.

“The text comes from a fourth-century poem by Aurelius Prudentius. The poem was originally 45 stanzas. It was a long elegy on the death of someone important. It was originally written in Latin, but it’s been translated to English with a half-dozen stanzas.”

“It sounds very regal and is full of grave importance. It is very fit for someone who was important to millions.”

In accord with Remembrance Day, the ensemble revisits In Flanders Fields with additional offerings of two settings of Hear My Prayer, Oh Lord.

Fraser, who is music director at Braeside Presbyterian, was deeply instrumental in organizing the concert. A cappella music dating from Gregorian chants was, after all, written for church performances.

“Hearing a choir of this calibre in a small church makes this really special. The intimacy of the setting is what makes it special.”

He also noted that 25 per cent of all proceeds would be returned to the church to cover costs.

In addition, Chronos hosts a second Requiem concert on Sunday, Nov. 15 at All Saints Anglican Cathedral. Added to this concert is the world premiere of a specially commissioned work from St. Albert composer Trent Worthington.