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St. John’s Presents the Elmer Iseler Singers

October 21, 2022   ·   0 Comments

St. John’s United Church in Alliston welcomes the award-winning Elmer Iseler Singers on Sunday, Nov. 6, starting at 4 p.m.

Toronto’s Elmer Iseler Singers and artistic director and conductor Lydia Adams will perform a choral music program inspired by the reflective journeys of composers and poets seeking the heart and soul of beauty.

The concert – without intermission – includes Three Motets to Our Lady by Healey Willan, Sun on Water by Hussein Janmohamed (Kenya/Canada), Melodia by Myroslav Skoryk (Ukraine), and Long Road by Eriks Ešenvalds (Latvia).

The Elmer Iseler Singers will then perform the music of Timothy Corlis in a composition that incorporates sound-healing instruments from around the world.

“Om Saha Nāvavatu is a profound spiritual work that cannot be categorized. It is a unique, immersive piece that transcends genres and categories. It is a balm for the soul,” Adams told The Times. “Timothy Corlis’s music is universal and holds an appeal to audiences that don’t necessarily identify with contemporary music, much like the music of the late John Tavener. Om Saha Nāvavatu – may we all be protected and blessed – is a meditational sound journey, a 40 minute choral voyage. The introspective, transformative work is inspired by Vedic texts and the poetry of Hindu and Buddhist Spiritual Masters.

“Om Saha Nāvavatu is really a call for peace and hope in the world,” adds composer Timothy Corlis.

Described as “a composer of great depth and passion, not to mention a pristine, polished craft” (Wholenote), British-Columbia composer Timothy Corlis views music as a strong power for social change, an important aspect of community life.

The Juno-nominated composer holds degrees in Physics, Anthropology, Social and Political Thought as well as Composition. His works have been performed in Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Russia, Japan, and more recently at Carnegie Hall in New York and in France.

The Elmer Iseler Singers respectfully request that all audience members wear masks.

Elmer Iseler Singers tickets are available for $20 and can be purchased locally at: Papermoon Gallery (47 Victoria Street West); Herbert’s Boots and Western Wear (85 Victoria Street West), and St. John’s United Church by calling 705-435-6732 ext. 201.

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