What a weekend we had!

After four months of preparation, we had the opportunity this weekend to share Songs of the Sea with two warm, receptive audiences. This was the first time that Sirens performed a concert program in two different communities, and we’re so glad that we did. Sirens is pleased with the outcome, and there are some individuals we just need to thank:

UPEI Music: Thank you to the supportive faculty, students and administration of UPEI. Several of us are alumni and students of the university, and it was very meaningful to perform at the institution that provided (and provides!) our education.

Trinity United Church, Summerside: Thank you to Andrew Richardson, administration, and congregation of Trinity United for hosting our first full-length performance in Summerside. Your church is beautiful and a pleasure to sing in.

Stephanie Cole: You are a pianist extraordinaire! Our accompanied pieces were a true collaboration between piano and ensemble, and you fit perfectly within our sound. Thank you!

Alana Reddin: You captured the visual of our program perfectly. Thank you for once again designing our promotional materials!

Nova Scotia Choral Federation: Thank you for the loan of scores used in Songs of the Sea.

Our Audiences: What would a concert be without an audience? Many thanks to all who attended in both Charlottetown and Summerside – you make all the hard work worth it!

Today, we’re still feeling the concert high, but also a bit of relief after such a busy rehearsal/performance period. We’ll be taking a couple of weeks off before we start preparing for our spring 2015 concerts, L.O.V.E.

This January, the women’s choral ensemble Sirens will deliver two performances of Songs of the Sea. The first concert will take place on Friday, January 16^th, 7:30pm at the Steel Recital Hall as part of the UPEI Music Department Recital Series. Trinity United Church in Summerside will host the second performance on Sunday, January 18^th,, 7:30pm.

Songs of the Sea includes repertoire that combines themes of loss, remembrance, purification, mythology and folklore. During the first half of the program, Sirens will guide its audience through the loss of a loved one at sea – from departure to death, through grief to acceptance, haunting harmonies and seamless movement will create a stirring set. The second portion of the concert examines the role of the sea as a source of purification and rebirth, while exploring its unknown depths.

Repertoire will include works by contemporary and classical composers. Featured are beautiful settings of Christina Rossetti texts by Steven Chatman, Allan Bevan, and Eleanor Daley. Arrangements of well-known spirituals and folksongs include Wade in the Water and Frobisher Bay. Classical works to be performed are Lili Boulanger’s Les Sirènes, Gustav Holst’s Hymn to the Waters, and Samuel Barber’s To Be Sung on the Water. Sirens will be joined by pianist Stephanie Cole for several pieces.

Get Tickets!

January 16^th, 7:30pm; Steel Recital Hall, UPEI; Charlottetown – Buy online or over the phone (902) 566-0507, $15/10 for seniors and students

January 18^th, 7:30pm; Trinity United Church; Summerside – Tickets available at the Trinity United Church office, $15/10 for seniors and students

• Tickets for both shows may be purchased at the door

To arrange an interview, or for more information, please contact Andrea Ellis.