Supporting contemporary composers and arrangers, Kokopelli has commissioned a number of new works. Currently, we are commissioning works from two outstanding composers:
From Jussi Chydenius: composer, arranger, and bass for the fantastic Finnish vocal ensemble Rajaton, Chydenius is writing a winter-themed piece to be premiered at Wintersong by Kokopelli.
From Christopher Tin: the composer of "Baba Yetu", sung on our African tour in 2007, is writing a new work for our choirs which will likely be premiered this season.
Mama Afrika, by Sydney Guillaume
Commissioned for African Stories 2008, this work by young Haitian-American composer Guillaume sets an original Creole text that both mourns the plight of Africa and celebrates its joy and vibrancy. The piece is a forthcoming publication from Walton Music.
Koka, by Stephen Hatfield
We were honoured to inspire a new work by Mr. Hatfield, based in the Indian Bollywood style. This work was premiered in our spring concert series in 2008 and was received with great enthusiasm by our home audiences as well as conductors at the Podium conference in Sackville in May of 2008.
Oh How Beautiful, This Finely Woven Earth, by Greg Jasperse
Jasperse collaborated with Kokopelli alumna and poet Gaïa Willis-Owen in creating this lush and beautiful piece. Written shortly after the events of September 11th 2001, the text reflects on the interconnectedness of all people.
Listen:
Purchase:
Shawnee Press, catalog #MF3087
Willie Taylor, arr. by Stephen Hatfield
Stephen Hatfield was Kokopelli's guest artist for our Stories 2007 concert, and in celebration, we commissioned this work from Hatfield. A setting of a traditional English folksong, Willie Taylor is a strange and interesting tale.
No audio sample available.
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Contact composer Stephen Hatfield
True Colors, arr. by John McMillan
A Kokopelli alumnus and current Òran member, John McMillan is in demand as a composer, arranger, and conductor with a specialization in vocal jazz. 'True Colors' is one of his first works, written when he was still a chorister in the choir himself. The beautifully-set music gives ample opportunity for soloists within the choir. A Kokopelli favorite.
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Contact arranger John McMillan
Song of the Wandering Aengus, by Graeme Wearmouth
The beautiful music of Graeme Wearmouth first caught Kokopelli's attention in the piece Magnetic North, and based on that wonderful experience, the choir decided to commission a new piece from the composer. The result was Song of the Wandering Aengus, a challenging and lovely work which sets the eponymous poem by W. B. Yeats.
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Contact composer Graeme Wearmouth
A Last Winter, by Robin King
Commissioned for our Wintersong concert in December of 2005, Archibald Lampman's final poem paints a picture of a crisp solitary winter's night in the arctic, brought to life in King's harmonies.
No audio sample available.
Purchase:
Contact composer Robin King
Benediction, by Kathleen Skinner
This piece was written for Kokopelli in the choir's fifth season. Benediction is a setting of the beautiful text 'On Marriage' from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet. Kathleen is one of Kokopelli's artistic staff members.
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Purchase:
Cypress Choral Music, catalog #CP1086
Angel of the Brighter Day, by Graeme Wearmouth
Another Wintersong commission, Wearmouth's second composition written for Kokopelli is light and beautiful.
No audio sample available.
Purchase:
Contact composer Graeme Wearmouth
I Can See Clearly Now, arr. by John McMillan
McMillan's second arrangement for Kokopelli is bright, vivacious, and exciting. Allows for the use of a rhythm section and instrumental solo features.
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Purchase:
Contact arranger John McMillan
Da Mi Basia Mille, by Kathleen Skinner
Commissioned by Òran for the choir's tour to Festival 500 in July 2005, this piece sets a playful and exuberant love poem by the ancient Latin poet Catullus.
No audio sample available.
Purchase:
Contact composer Kathleen Skinner
Prayer of St. Francis, arr. by Jennifer Kinghorn
In addition to being a member of Kokopelli and the accompanist for Òran, Jennifer Kinghorn is a talented arranger and composer. Her a cappella arrangement of Sarah McLachlan's song features beautiful jazz-inspired harmonies.
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Purchase:
Contact arranger Jennifer Kinghorn
Elegy, by Kathleen Skinner
Written in memory of Kokopelli chorister Craig Beaumont, Elegy sets the text 'On Death' from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
No audio sample available.
Purchase:
Contact composer Kathleen Skinner