Esprit Orchestra presents Hallelujah Sim.

Program:
Chris Paul Harman: Coyote Soul (2011)
Misato Mochizuki: Violin Concerto* (2025)
(Akiko Suwanai, violin)
Ben Nobuto: Hallelujah Sim.** (2024)
(Elmer Iseler Singers & Concreamus, vocal ensembles)
Poul Ruders: Tundra** (1990)
 
*North American premiere, co-commissioned by Esprit Orchestra & Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo
**North American premiere
 
Hallelujah Sim., structured like a game, gives the combined forces of The Elmer Iseler Singers and Concreamus Chamber Choir (a total of 72 voices) simple rules to progress from level to level. Nobuto creates “a dreamlike scenario where old traditions and symbols (hallelujahs, choirs, the Royal Albert Hall) are charged a with strange new intensity” – glossy, hyperreal objects - “looping, changing speed, switching on and off as if the music were writing itself in real time. Sacred music packaged and gamified.” Mochizuki’s new violin concerto follows naturally from Esprit’s wonderful experiences with her music in recent seasons and flows from an Esprit joint commission with an important Japanese orchestra. A fabulous Canadian premiere of the piece is in store with Akiko Suwanai’s a return engagement as our guest soloist. Harman’s Coyote Soul, with “serious” lightness, colourful orchestrations and surprising humour, engages a pop tune well-known beyond the classical concert world. Ruders’ Tundra, evoking the far North’s quintessence, brings us powerful forces of nature in sound.