“It’s a bold adventure for us and we love carrying the Nova Scotia spirit to new audiences,” says choir director Nick Halley. “We are honoured by the invitations we’ve received in Quebec and Ontario, and it’s a total community effort to get us there, including donations from many supporters – all very emotional.”
Capella Regalis was founded and is directed by world renowned percussionist and choral director Nick Halley. In addition to being an outstanding choir enjoyed by Nova Scotia audiences, it trains young people to sing through mentorship and professional performance experiences, and part of this is they have the opportunity to perform with professional choristers of all ages. The 125 children in its free weekly programs in Halifax and Lunenburg sing a broad range of music, from Gregorian Chant to masterworks of the Baroque era, as well as commissions by contemporary composers.
Former Nova Scotia Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Mayann Francis notes that this tour is important. “It’s a proud moment for the Province and the next step in national recognition for a unique musical organization.”
Nova Scotian music legend Anne Murray supports the Choir, “There is no better experience than group singing. I heartily support Capella Regalis and all that they do,” she says.
In May, the sound of Nova Scotia comes to music festivals and presenting venues in Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston and Toronto with a select group of 26 Capella Regalis choristers from eight years old to professional adult singers. Their Sea Songs and Sacred Anthems tour program is a mix of classical and distinctly Maritime music reflecting the deep ties of Maritime communities to the sea, drawing on themes of naval and fishing expeditions, historical events, and folklore.
Pieces unique to Capella Regalis include new arrangements for choir, piano, organ and percussion by five-time Grammy Award-winning Canadian composer and keyboardist Paul Halley, who will join his children Nick and Vanessa (directors of the choirs) and the tour ensemble as keyboard accompanist.
“This is the choir’s first tour outside of the Maritimes. We love visiting our Maritime communities, and this is an exciting opportunity for the choir to experience performing in major urban centres, as well as being on the road together in less familiar territory,” says Board Chair Barbara Butler, a Nova Scotian musician and recipient of the Order of Canada.
CONCERTS ($15-$100)
- May 22: MONTREAL – L’Église Sainte Famille, Boucherville (Presented by Festival Classica)
- May 25: OTTAWA – St Matthew’s Anglican Church (Presented by Music & Beyond)
- May 28: KINGSTON – Saint George’s Anglican Cathedral
- May 30: TORONTO – St Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church
CHORAL SERVICES (Free)
- May 24: MONTREAL – Morning Mass with Les Petits-Chanteurs du Mont-Royal at St Joseph’s Oratory
- May 24: OTTAWA – Choral Evensong with Caelis Academy Ensemble at St Matthew’s Church
- May 26: OTTAWA – Choral Evensong with Christ Church Cathedral Men & Boys Choir
- May 27: KINGSTON – Choral Evensong at St George’s Cathedral
- May 31 AM: TORONTO – Choral Eucharist at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
- May 31 PM: TORONTO – Choral Evensong with Grace Church on-the-Hill Choirs at Grace Church
Find Capella Regalis at www.capellaregalis.com.
