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.