CAMERATA NOVA founder and Artistic Director Andrew Balfour has been known to comment that singers chosen to perform with the Winnipeg-based ensemble (now in its 14th season) must have the "right spirit," not merely talent and desire. Drawing from a unique and expansive choral library, the group’s reputation has been built on the superb quality of the performers’ voices, along with the intrepid creativity of the repertoire, which includes everything from authentic early music, to premières of Manitoba compositions, to an eclectic array of music that falls anywhere in between, including work strongly influenced by Balfour’s own Cree origins.

The program for this concert spans seven centuries and includes works by Pierre de la Rue, Andrew Balfour, Claudio Monteverdi, and traditional Ojibway and Icelandic music.

THE PROGRAM:
 
• O salutaris hostia – Pierre de la Rue (1452-1518), with Pemi Paull, viola, 3:30
• Nakanowin sa (Chepi’s Time) from Wa Wa Tey Wak (Northern Lights) – Andrew Balfour (b. 1967), with aboriginal singer Cory Campbell, 6:30
• The Appearance of Wisadkejak from Wa Wa Tey Wak – Andrew Balfour, 3:30
• Cree Hunting Song – traditional, Cory Campbell, 2:00
• There is No Night Left from Wa Wa Tey Wak – Andrew Balfour with Pemi Paull, viola, 5:45
• Cree Mother Earth Song – traditional, Cory Campbell, 2:00
• To Dance is Dangerous from Wa Wa Tey Wak – Andrew Balfour, 3:30
• Sound Prayer for Mother Earth – Andrew Balfour with Pemi Paull, viola, 3:00
• Excerpts from Missa Brevis – Andrew Balfour, 9:00
• Ave Maria -  Andrew Balfour, 2:45
• Ave Maria – Josquin des Prez (1450-1521), 5:00
• Qilak – Andrew Balfour, 2:15
• Verold Flaa Sunir – Traditional Icelandic, 3:00
• Si Chio Vorrei Morire – Claudio Monteverdi, 3:00 

  will  Guest artists Cory Campbell and Pemi Paull will be joining Camerata Nova. 

This choir has so much heart, and enlivens antiquated scores with such missionary zeal that even the most die-hard, newer music lover would find it hard to resist.

Winnipeg Free Press