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Ending the year 2023

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Do you ever think about death?

I do.

It is not a morbid cognitive task for me. It is born out of a fascination for it, nothing else. Actually, it is one of my favourite things to ponder and philosophize about. Death was an underlying theme at the concert this past December 2nd. It was a powerful night of wonder.

Thank you to Asal Iranmehr, Piano, and Sarah Steeves, Cello, who performed with us at the concert during Sarah Quartel’s Snow Angel. Both of whom, with the glorious work of the singers, gave such a meaningful, heartfelt performance. For myself, the highlight of this work is in movement 5, where the child in the story realizes that winter “shelters life” rather than puts it out.

 I love the image of Winter sheltering life. It is a beautiful reframing of what Winter appears to be doing.

I agree that it does appear that there is no life in winter, especially since all the green lushness of the summer is gone. Everything in comparison looks so dreary and dead. I wonder if it is too far of a jump to think that the poet is using Winter as a simile to death, and that one could surmise that death could shelter life? Life can feel very vacant in winter, but we all know that just under its surface evidence of life could be found. Could this be the same for death? Perhaps death acts as a protector of life and that right under its surface life could also be found. My musings continue….

Cantala performed a stunning version of Schubert’s Psalm 23. This piece holds a dear spot in my heart as I sung it as a child and was very moved by it then and again now. My favorite moment was at the end when Cantala did a gorgeous decrescendo. It reminded me of a sunset. Again, on a text about death, it truly took me off to another dimension. Thank you, singers.

It is our joy to share our music with others. Thank you to all who came and shared in our music. While we do revel in the journey of learning the music and putting it all together, it always brings us so much more meaning to share it with an audience.

Cantala would like to wish you the happiest of holidays. This is the time of year where we get to look after the ones we love and enjoy. May the holidays be filled for you with joy and light.  

alum, choristers, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlachoiristers, cantala choir, cantala women's choir, toronto choral singing, toronto choral scene, Nancy Singla, choral singing, choral sound, sacred musicComment

New Beginnings

Cantala Choir and I had our first in person rehearsal in two years in February 2022 and for so many reasons, it feels like a new beginning. For one, as I re enter the world of choral music and choral programming I feel I have many new ideas and perspectives. So consider this: what about changing “hundred of years-old sacred text” to a sacred text that is relevant to our human society today? Radical idea? Read on.

alum, choristers, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlachoiristers, cantala choir, cantala women's choir, toronto choral singing, toronto choral scene, Nancy Singla, choral singing, choral sound, sacred musicComment
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The Musical Daily Allowance

What do you do to keep your mental health where you want it to be? How do you get out of a rut when you’re feeling down? I have good news! Read on.

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choristers, alum, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlacantala choir, nancy singla, choral singing, toronto holiday concert, winter concert, choral singing torontoComment

Saturday December 17th 2pm

Here at Cantala our favorite Winter themed concert includes A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten. However, we have now presented that work recently and made an outstanding recording of the work with Canadian legend Harpist Erica Goodman, so what could be next to rival that work? Read on to find out.

choristers, alum, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlacantala choir, nancy singla, choral singing, toronto holiday concert, winter concert, choral singing torontoComment
choristers, alum, composer, concerts, ConductorsNancy Singlacantala choir, nancy singla, choral singing, toronto holiday concert, winter concert, choral singing torontoComment

Late Canadian Carols

Have you ever wondered what a rainbow wears for clothes?….. come to our first winter concert since 2019 where we will entertain with an array of christmas “usuals” and unusuals…..

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Conductors, concerts, composer, choristers, alumNancy Singlachoral singing toronto, choral singing concert, toronto choral concert, organ and choral series roy thomson hall, roy tomsom hall, TOronto singing choir, gender neutral choir, treble voices, cantala choir, nancy singla, Toronto choral concertsComment

Cantala ends its 15th Season

Have you ever swirled around in a big ball gown on a concert stage that is all yours? We did this past May at Roy Thomson Hall. We can report back that it is a fantastic experience and highly recommend it.

Conductors, concerts, composer, choristers, alumNancy Singlachoral singing toronto, choral singing concert, toronto choral concert, organ and choral series roy thomson hall, roy tomsom hall, TOronto singing choir, gender neutral choir, treble voices, cantala choir, nancy singla, Toronto choral concertsComment