In this early month of winter in Winnipeg, warm and powerful voices come together to share the mystery and majesty of the carol.

Under the direction of conductor/curator John Wiens, “Celebrating the Carol” is the first concert featuring the newly minted Dead of Winter. The group, formerly known as Camerata Nova, continues to honour the music of past masters (Lasso, Gabrieli, Mouton, Schubert) while embracing the present with contemporary composers such as Scott Reimer, Daniel Wiebe and Michael McKay in this inaugural program. 

After a period of self-reflection, re-evaluation and rebirth during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dead of Winter returns to the Winnipeg choral scene with a renewed sense of purpose, affirmation and artistic identity. Fittingly, this first concert embraces the idea of community and togetherness; the very act of carolling brings people together, while also offering a sense of familiarity and comfort as society slowly emerges out of the pandemic. 

“Celebrating the Carol” with two (sold-out!) shows at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church: Saturday, November 27 at 7:30 pm with a matinee on Sunday at 3 pm. 

www.deadofwinter.ca

Conductor/curator John Wiens joined Simeon Rusnak on Morning Light to discuss the inaugural program; the changes in the group as well as the changes in John’s life these past few years; the emotional experience that it has been working with the choir again; and, the start to the Montreal Canadiens season.