Atlantic String Machine and Sirens will present a “Winter’s Night” concert on Saturday, December 10 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Charlottetown. There will be two concerts, a matinee at 2:30pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.

The event will see two of the Island’s most revered classical ensembles collaborate on several pieces. “Tundra,” by the Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, captures the shimmering stillness of the season through floating melodic lines atop a gently pulsating minimalist backdrop. Jocelyn Hagen’s “How to Survive Winter” illustrates the many moods of frost times with a musically diverse interplay between the strings and voices. It sets a rich text by poet Julia Klatt Singer that urges the listener to “wrap your body in darkness” and “carry the weight of night.”

The program will also feature individual performances by both ensembles. Audience members will be uplifted by Finnish composer Mia Makaroff’s “Spes,” which combines two texts, one in Latin and one in Sami, to spin a beautiful sonic exploration of hope. And Siola Sariola’s “Pakkanen” will see the choir create textures using words, whispers, and body percussion that tell a story of being isolated and lost while journeying through cold and snow.

Following the theme of northern lands, Atlantic String Machine will offer an arrangement of the Swedish fiddle tune “Gladlåten.” Translated into English, the tune’s title means ‘Happy Song’ and the lilting quality of the dance will leave listeners in great spirits. Also on the program will be Canadian composer Andrew Balfour’s “Pytor’s Dream,” a stunning symphonic work commissioned for and premiered by Toronto’s Tafelmusik in 2019. And, of course, audience members will be treated to a host of other surprises from a variety of genres in classic String Machine fashion. 

Tickets ($30/$15 students) can be purchased online or at the door, space permitting. 

Sirens Choral Association is pleased to announce the tenth anniversary season of Sirens and the eighth season of Harmonia Girls’ Choir. The 2022-23 year will include a series of celebratory performances from Sirens to mark this special milestone. 

Artistic Director Kelsea McLean is thrilled to be leading the ensemble during this occasion: “Our 10th season is a celebration of Sirens’ history! This anniversary season will see Sirens singing our most treasured and iconic choral pieces. When thinking about the last decade, we wanted to highlight music that defines our journey, but also acknowledges where we are now.”

She adds, “It is absolutely surreal to be entering our 10th season. What started as a small group of women wanting a place to sing, has grown to a thriving singing community. Since our first concert, we have expanded our programming, increased our following, released an album, and performed on the national stage. We are thrilled to be celebrating a decade of Sirens!”

Sirens’ season kicks off at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Charlottetown on December 10 with “A Winter’s Night” a concert presented in collaboration with Atlantic String Machine. Together the ensembles will explore themes of isolation, darkness and cold, while celebrating the hope that comes with experiencing winter’s wrath.

Sirens will pay tribute to ten years of song in “Singers’ Choice” on March 25 at Park Royal United Church in Charlottetown. Sirens singers have selected their cherished pieces from past seasons to create an eclectic program in celebration of the ensemble’s tenth anniversary. The concert will include performances of Sirens’ three previously commissioned works: Lost Voices by Richard Covey, Sorrow Song of Whales by Jeff Enns, and In Her Image by Katerina Gimon.

In June 2023, Sirens will round out its tenth anniversary season with “Spark!”  This special collection of songs observes music’s place in our community and will include the world-premiere of Elegy by Margaret King. Current Sirens singers will be joined on stage by Harmonia Girls’ Choir, Sirens alumni, and the board members of Sirens Choral Association Inc. Complete details will be announced at a future date.

Harmonia Girls’ Choir is Sirens’ principal education program for young singers. The ensemble’s first performance, “The Frost,”  takes place at Park Royal United Church on December 17. Singing of the changing seasons, the choir will also perform holiday favourites. Harmonia closes out  its season on April 29 with “You have Made Me, Earth” at Park Royal United Church. Harmonia will honour the beauty of nature in this spring performance.

Stay tuned for ticket information in the weeks to come!