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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.

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