What a pleasure it was to attend the Cantabile Chamber Singers performance of my new choral work, Praying to Trees, last Saturday evening. The experience was made even more meaningful by the presence of my good friend Kathleen Burke, who wrote the text for the piece.
It was an honour to have my music presented alongside works by so many composers I deeply admire. The choir was in outstanding form, bringing warmth, nuance, and artistry to a beautifully curated program.
Praying to Trees is a contemplative a cappella choral work that explores humanity’s spiritual relationship with the natural world. The piece weaves together themes of listening, presence, and interconnectedness, inviting both singers and audiences to experience trees as sources of wisdom, healing, and quiet reverence, while also reflecting on the urgency of environmental stewardship.
I’ve admired Cantabile’s artistry for many years, so receiving this commission to compose a new work for them — and having the opportunity to workshop the music with the choir earlier this month — has been incredibly meaningful.
Thanks to the support of the Ontario Arts Council, my collaboration with Cantabile will continue next week as we come together to record Praying to Trees. We’re planning to release the recording as a single later this year. Stay tuned to my social media channels, blog, and e-newsletter for updates as the project progresses.
