When Thomas Burton asked me to compose a new choral piece for ‘RESOUND’ on the theme of motherhood, it did not take me long to find the perfect text. My mum, Shirley Martin, turned 90 last April and my sister Cori Martin wrote a poem in her honour entitled ‘Mother’. That is the text and the resulting choral piece you will hear on Saturday March 25, 2023 in Port Perry, Ontario at the historic Town Hall Theatre.
Thomas Burton, conductor and collaborative pianist Cheryl Duvall will premiere ‘Mother’ for SATB choir and piano. Two other new works will also premiere on the program. I’m excited to meet Beverley McKiver whose work, according to her website, often explores ‘themes of connection to the land, identity, and recovery of Indigenous knowledge’. I am familiar with Katharine Perkovski’s work since we shared premiered pieces with Exultate Chamber Singers last season, and I am looking forward to re-connecting with her.
From RESOUND Choir’s website, here are some details about the concert:
‘Songs My Mother Taught Me’ focuses on motherhood, femininity, and the experiences of women during the pandemic and beyond. This multimedia performance featuring movement, poetry and three new choral commissions by female Ontarian composers is a joyful and thoughtful celebration of that which each of us holds dear.
The Choir is asking for donations to support The Rose of Durham (CFS), the YWCA, and, the Women’s Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre (WMRCC). All three service organizations are in need of grocery store vouchers (including Walmart) and feminine hygiene products. Please bring your items to the concert.
It promises to be a moving afternoon of meetings and music-making. All the details can be found on the choir’s website
Note the correct date is MARCH 25 with two show times, 3pm and 7pm.