A Night to Remember: Cantala Choir at Weill Recital Hall, NYC
On April 11, 2025, under the dazzling chandeliers of Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Cantala Choir experienced one of the most exhilarating performances of our musical journey. Nineteen passionate singers from Toronto stood shoulder to shoulder, united by a love of choral music, ready to share our voices with the world in one of the most prestigious venues in New York City.
The atmosphere was electric. As we took our places on that historic stage, surrounded by gilded walls and soft velvet drapes, there was a palpable sense of reverence and excitement. We were not just singing—we were becoming part of a legacy.
Our program, aptly titled Songbird, was a vibrant and emotional tapestry of works that celebrated nature, poetry, and the human spirit. From the ethereal harmonies of Sarah Quartel’s Songbird to the earthy vitality of Waltzing Matilda, every piece carried its own story, and every singer brought it to life with heart and precision.
Highlights included selections from Lost Words, a stunning set inspired by the poetry of Robert Macfarlane, where each piece evoked the delicate wonder of the natural world—Dandelion, Kingfisher, and Willow were especially moving. We also performed the evocative Yi Chin O, set to ancient Chinese poetry, and Marie-Claire Saindon’s luminous Yeux D’enfant, which explores childhood wonder and communal strength.
The emotional core of the concert came in works like Muusika by Pärt Uusberg, a piece that whispers of immortality in music, and Barber’s To be Sung on the Water, which floated like a prayer over the attentive audience. We ended the evening on a joyful note with the jazzy energy of Blue Skies by Irving Berlin, leaving the hall buzzing with delight.
Our accompanist, the brilliant Asal Iranmehr, brought depth and nuance to every piece with her expressive playing, and under the guiding hand of our artistic director Nancy Singla, the choir reached new heights of unity and artistry. Nancy’s leadership and vision have been the soul of Cantala for 17 seasons, and this concert was a culmination of her unwavering dedication to choral excellence.
What made the night even more special was seeing familiar faces in the audience—family, friends, and supporters who traveled to be with us. Their presence reminded us that music is a shared experience, a bridge that connects hearts across distance and time.
This performance marked more than just a concert—it was a celebration of who we are as a choir. Founded in 2008, Cantala has always strived to be a musical home, a place where voices come together in harmony, purpose, and joy. Performing at Weill Recital Hall was a dream realized, and we carry the memory with us as inspiration for all that lies ahead.
Our Songbird album, which features many of the pieces performed that night, is now available on all streaming platforms. We hope it brings you a little of the magic we felt on that unforgettable evening in New York City.
