Elektra performs enchanting composition The Lost Words: A Spell Book, March 8 and 9
Immersive work by 10 composers draws inspiration from bestselling book by nature writer Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris
Vancouver’s acclaimed and award-winning Elektra presents The Lost Words: A Spell Book, an unforgettable musical journey, on March 8 and 9 at Pacific Spirit United Church. This evocative performance draws inspiration from the bestselling book by renowned nature writer Robert Macfarlane and talented illustrator Jackie Morris to create a world of wonder and whimsy.
With the soaring voices of Elektra, expressive works by 10 distinguished Canadian composers, stunning projections of illustrations from the book, mesmerizing spoken-word interpretations by theatre artist Laara Sadiq, and an ensemble of six talented Vancouver-based instrumentalists, The Lost Words offers an unmissable multi-layered experience.
This composition of 20 distinct movements transcends mere performance; it is a heartfelt celebration of art’s ability to rekindle childhood wonder. As soaring vocals harmonize with spellbinding melodies, spoken words resonate with meaning, and stunning watercolour projections grace the stage, audiences will find themselves transported into realms of imagination and natural beauty.
The Lost Words: A Spell Book premiered in 2022; it is Elektra’s most ambitious commissioned work to date, and a significant addition to the repertoire for treble choirs. It was composed by Carmen Braden, Alex Eddington, Nicholas Ryan Kelly, Katerina Gimon, Ramona Luengen, Don Macdonald, Monica Pearce, Marie-Claire Saindon, Rodney Sharman, and Stephen Smith.
Elektra invites audience members to partake in a program of music that promises not just entertainment, but the immersive discovery of an enchanting world. The artists involved will join forces to rekindle nature’s magic and marvel at the transformative power of music—it’s an adventure that will linger in the minds of viewers long after the final note fades away.
Vancouver’s Elektra is known for its brilliant programming, multidisciplinary initiatives, and spellbinding performances under the direction of co-founder and artistic director Morna Edmundson, and has been a groundbreaking ensemble since its founding as a women’s choir in 1987. In 2024, Elektra expanded its embrace to welcome all adult-treble voices, celebrating a diverse and gender-inclusive community of singers.
A pre-concert talk will take place 30 minutes prior to the start of each performance. For tickets to see The Lost Words: A Spell Book and more details, visit Elektra.
Post sponsored by Elektra.
Related Articles
Innovative concert sees the New York City–based duo take on George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Schoenberg’s “V. Walzer”, and more
Making its Vancouver debut, the Cologne, Germany-based ensemble has earned critical acclaim around the globe
Immersive work by 10 composers draws inspiration from bestselling book by nature writer Robert Macfarlane and illustrator Jackie Morris
Piano quartet to play works by Mozart, Schumann, and William Walton
Saxophonist-composer draws inspiration from her B.C. upbringing for performance with CapU Jazz Studies students and faculty members
The group’s namesake is a master of the santur who draws on Persian classical styles as well as everything from jazz to the avant-garde
Led by stage director Richard Berg and music director Richard Epp, Mozart’s comedic opera features an abundance of outrageous scenarios
At Vancouver Opera, the theatre legend and set designer Ken MacDonald bring artfully absurd touches to story of a refugee stuck in a terminal
Artists on the program include Yves Lambert et le Grand Orchestre, Franco-Ontarian rapper LeFLOFRANCO, and more
Program inspired by travel features folk songs from the U.K., Nordic countries, North America, and South America
Copresented by PuSh Festival and Vancouver Art Gallery, the genre-bending work merges dance, new media, and video with immersive sound resonators
Pianist Alexei Volodin is a featured soloist for the heartfelt work, helmed by conductor Daniel Raiskin
Three music-academy programs featuring instruction, mentorship, and performance opportunities will take place between June 16 and 23
Championing rare and contemporary repertoire, the renowned conductor led the VSO through a growth period from 1972 to 1985
Instrumental quartet fuses prog-rock, jazz, funk, new classical music, and elements of Japanese ritual music in a style entirely its own
Led by trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, 10-piece group promises a varied program featuring West Side Story songs, “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo, and plenty more
Founded by Cory Weeds, event features jazz musicians from New York City, Houston, Toronto, and beyond
From dragon dances to live music, there are several ways to ring in the Year of the Snake
Program features Spanish pianist Javier Perianes as a soloist, plus compositions by Franck and Camille Pepin
The grand-nephew of the great Django Reinhardt hosts International Guitar Night
In a co-presentation by BlueShore at CapU and The Cultch, the singer-songwriter plays tunes from her latest album, Strange Medicine