Nagamo

New World meets Old World in thrilling musical expression of reconciliation

Òran and Kokopelli welcome internationally renowned Vancouver vocal ensemble musica intima, along with Andrew Balfour, a composer of Cree descent, and Cree-Dene singer/song creator Sherryl Sewepagaham. The concerts will take place in Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples, a beloved historical space that has hosted our choirs for decades. The church, which was nearly lost to fire in 2020, is now restored and reopened.

Balfour recently curated Nagamo: History Reimagined, a groundbreaking collaboration with musica intima that reshapes Elizabethan masters with Ojibway and Cree perspectives.

“Nagamo (Sings) reimagines history and the concept of nation-to-nation respect and musical dialogue between the nations of the so-called New World and Old World,” explains Balfour. “During the beginning of the 17th century, several Chiefs and esteemed Indigenous leaders journeyed to Europe in the hope of forging alliances. In many cases, they were treated as respected ambassadors. Nagamo explores the fantastical idea of what might have happened if the sharing of music, and the respect of culture had contrived, and how a different history might have played out.

At Stories, musica intima, Òran, Kokopelli and Sewepagaham will collaborate to sing excerpts from Nagamo, woven among performances by the individual choirs. The venue, Sacred Heart, will contribute a unique atmosphere of spiritual resonance and intimacy.

Join us for Stories, Saturday, March 18 at 2:00 and 7:00 pm, at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples (10821 96 Street NW, Edmonton). Tickets are $25 (students $20, children $15).

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/stories-nagamo/