Commissioning Choral Works- Wonderful Music and Connections

As the conductor of Vancouver Cansing, one of my favourite projects each year is commissioning a new work for the choir. The choir budgets for a commissioned piece annually, with the funding coming directly from membership dues.

This year, we are thrilled to premiere Stuart Beatch’s Long Range Forecast, set to John Barton’s poetry, which explores environmental themes of uncertainty in our changing world.

Rehearsals begin in just two weeks, and I can’t wait to share updates on our journey as we bring this piece to life! Come sing with us!

Over the years, Vancouver Cansing choir has had the privilege of performing commissioned works by exceptional composers such as Marie-Claire Saindon (Flying – SSAB with piano), Lavinia Kell Parker (I Catch My Breath and Sing – SS-AT-B with piano), and Wei Cui (Good Rain – SSAB with clarinet and piano).

Additionally, several of my own pieces (Gerda Blok-Wilson), including The Song My Paddle Sings (SATB with piano) and Behold My Song (SATB with piano), were written specifically for the unique blend and abilities of this choir. These works are accessible for similar ensembles and will be published by Tux People’s Publisher in 2025.

Commissioning new works not only supports composers but also provides choirs with music that reflects contemporary experiences and resonates with their unique voices. It also creates meaningful, lasting connections between composers, singers, and audiences.

It would be amazing to see a regular culture of commissioning new works by Canadian community choirs that would contribute to fresh, innovative music while supporting Canadian composers – Choral Canada.