Prepare for the world premiere of two choral compositions presented by Juno-nominated Chor Leoni. 

Earth and Aether: The Archaeology of Soul and Sky features two brand-new programs: one by Melissa Dunphy and the other by Grammy-nominated Kile Smith.

“We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with these two incredible composers and bring these meaningful pieces to life,” shares Chor Leoni's artistic director Erick Lichte in a statement. “These new works give us a chance to examine how we live on this planet and bring listeners to a greater understanding of our human past, present, and future.”

Dunphy’s composition The Things We Leave Behind examines legacies through the eyes of a future generation that discovers humanity’s existence—based on what they unbury beneath the earth’s surface.

Wireless by Smith will highlight humankind’s earliest radio broadcasts and transmissions between 1986 and 1920, exploring how radio can still communicate with humanity today.

“Like an archaeologist, these remains and historical recordings will be musically and poetically examined for clues as to how fragments from our lives might represent our humanity, culture, and values,” adds Lichte. “By projecting into the future, we can also imagine how future civilizations might interpret and understand our current values, for better or for worse.”

Adding to the excitement, long-time Chor Leoni collaborators—the exceptionally talented harpist Vivian Chen and the renowned saxophonist Julia Nolan—will also be performing, elevating the grandeur of this singing experience.

Earth and Aether: the archaeology of soul and sky

When: May 11, 4pm

Where: St. Andrew’s Wesley United

Tickets: $20+, available here