Mount Royal Kantorei Presents "Please Stay" by Jake Runestad « You have touched all of our lives. We will forever call you back. It is our hope that you stay. » In an effort to shine a light on suicide, suicide prevention and help destigmatize mental health concerns, Mount Royal Kantorei presents ‘Please Stay’ by Jake Runestad. This piece is an anthem for hope and supports those who are battling depression and thoughts of suicide. We encourage open conversations about these serious issues and illnesses, as we all struggle at times battling them. Now more than ever it is so important to stand together, support one another, and share hope. In honour of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day we share this moment of reflection, grief, healing and hope. You are not alone – together, we can make a difference and be the support system that saves a life. Please Stay No! Don’t go! Don’t let your worst day be your last. The storm is strong, but it will pass. You think you can’t go on another day, but please stay. Just stay. Hope is real. Help is real. You are breath, you are life, you are beauty, you are light. Your story is not over. You are not a burden to anyone. Please stay. Just stay. Music and Lyrics: Jake Runestad www.jakerunestad.com Artistic Director: John Morgan Please Stay Soloist: Cassandra Walker - Bessette Dancer: Michelle Godin Spoken Word: Stephanie MacDonald, Sabrina Reed, Kathy Stol, Michael Chase Piano and Orchestral Recording: John Morgan Recorded at OCL Recording Studios Tracking: Brennan Kennedy (OCL Recording Studios) Audio Mix John Morgan (Morgan Music) Video Filmed at the Banff Fairmont Hotel Video Direction: Ryan Northcott (MediaPop Films) and John Morgan Video Shoot and Editing: MediaPop Films & Ryan Northcott Production: Produced by Kantorei Choral Society Kantorei Choral Society Board of Directors: Lisa Collins (President), James Hume (Vice - President), Eunice Loudon (Past-President), Alex Chumley (Treasurer), Jyoti Mistry (Secretary), Jennifer Nakaska (Director of Concert Planning and Production), Joycelyn Kristoff (Director of Fundraising), Beth Walmsley (Director of Internal Affairs), Bobbi Lintner (Director of Marketing), Marketing Liason: Barbara Ulrich Business Manager: Drew Thomas Funding and Support: Kantorei Choral Society, Calgary Arts Development and Alberta Foundation for the Arts

One of the holiday season’s most popular modern Christmas Carols, Mary Did You Know? has been covered hundreds of times and is consistently at the top of Billboard’s holiday charts. Contemplating the relationship between Mary and her newborn son, the song’s title explores her understanding of the vastness of change ahead. This arrangement was originally written and performed by Pentatonix and is sung with soaring and powerful harmonies atop St Patrick’s Island in Calgary, providing a modern-day metaphor and gravity to the lyrics. ************************************************* Music and Lyrics: Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene Arrangement: Pentatonix Transcription: Paul Langford Artistic Director: John Morgan Project Manager: Jennifer Matthias Soloist: Jennifer Matthias Recording, Audio Production and Mix: Morgan Music Video: Mediapop Films Rehearsal Technical Production: John Nairn Wardrobe: Jennifer Robertson Group Members: • Bekah Peterson • Brett Sieben • Brian Lalonde • Claire Wilkes • Dave Kletke • Heather Cole • Jennifer Matthias • Jennifer Robertson • Jennele Coulson • Joe Moreau • Kate Heney • Michael Birnie • Mike Heney ************************************************* Getting to “the most wonderful time of the year” in 2020 has certainly been an adventure! Like many other arts organizations, Revv52 had to put in-person rehearsals on hold early in the year when choral singing was linked to a number of severe COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention—and to Revv52’s performers, making music together is definitely a necessity. In March, we shifted to online rehearsals through Zoom. Over the spring, Revv52 produced a number of creative and engaging virtual performances by having members record their individual audio tracks and videos from home, which were then carefully assembled by a video editor. That got us through to summer, but it was a long way from our usual sold-out performances in large concert halls. We needed to find a way to get back together safely for the fall semester. Following the guidelines of Alberta Health Services, Revv52’s Artistic Director, John Morgan, split the ensemble into four groups of 12 people. He then moved us into a new, private rehearsal space which provided better air flow and room for our singers to spread out. During rehearsals, our singers stayed physically distant from one another, wore masks at all times, used their own personal microphones, and sanitized their chairs and stands between groups. It was a logistical challenge and a lot of extra work, but these changes allowed us to get back to making music together again, safely. In November, John asked each small group to choose a Christmas song that was meaningful to them. After a few weeks of rehearsal, the guidelines for gatherings changed once again. Instead of recording as a small group, the singers went into the studio—one at a time—to record their part, singing along to tracks provided by Revv52’s band members. Once the audio was complete, our singers once again turned to Zoom to hold staging and choreography workshops. Then, on a chilly weekend in early December, our small groups got together in even smaller divisions (to align with the latest guidelines) to film videos for their recordings at some of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. The five holiday-themed videos we produced are your first opportunity to see and hear the results of Revv52’s work over the past few months. They’re our gift to you this Christmas, and we hope they bring you a little burst of joy this holiday season. Stay healthy, stay warm, and keep singing… we promise to do the same.

Christmas can mean different things to different people. For many, it’s the time spent cutting down trees and singing songs of joy and peace; for others, it can mean reflection and the beginning of a new direction. Joni Mitchell captured these mixed emotions with her incredible 1971 song "River". This arrangement adds colour to the melody, and features our singers in blended harmony supporting her masterful lyrics. Filmed at Scotsman’s Hill with the Bow River and Calgary skyline in the distance, the backdrop sets the scene for this compelling story. **************************************************** Music and Lyrics: Joni Mitchell Arrangement: Hans Kaldeway Artistic Director: John Morgan Project Manager: Jennifer Matthias Bass Guitar: Kit Johnson Keys: Jon Day Recording and Audio Mix: Morgan Music Video Production: Mediapop Films Rehearsal Technical Production: John Nairn Movement: Kyrsten Blair Wardrobe: Jennifer Robertson Group Members: • Akina Slusar • Ian Malayang • Ian McKay • Jennele Coulson • Jody Alexander • Joe Moreau • Joe Reina • Jennifer Robertson • Kim Bercsenyi • Lisa Rouleau • Mike Heney • Valerie Teeter **************************************************** Getting to “the most wonderful time of the year” in 2020 has certainly been an adventure! Like many other arts organizations, Revv52 had to put in-person rehearsals on hold early in the year when choral singing was linked to a number of severe COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention—and to Revv52’s performers, making music together is definitely a necessity. In March, we shifted to online rehearsals through Zoom. Over the spring, Revv52 produced a number of creative and engaging virtual performances by having members record their individual audio tracks and videos from home, which were then carefully assembled by a video editor. That got us through to summer, but it was a long way from our usual sold-out performances in large concert halls. We needed to find a way to get back together safely for the fall semester. Following the guidelines of Alberta Health Services, Revv52’s Artistic Director, John Morgan, split the ensemble into four groups of 12 people. He then moved us into a new, private rehearsal space which provided better air flow and room for our singers to spread out. During rehearsals, our singers stayed physically distant from one another, wore masks at all times, used their own personal microphones, and sanitized their chairs and stands between groups. It was a logistical challenge and a lot of extra work, but these changes allowed us to get back to making music together again, safely. In November, John asked each small group to choose a Christmas song that was meaningful to them. After a few weeks of rehearsal, the guidelines for gatherings changed once again. Instead of recording as a small group, the singers went into the studio—one at a time—to record their part, singing along to tracks provided by Revv52’s band members. Once the audio was complete, our singers once again turned to Zoom to hold staging and choreography workshops. Then, on a chilly weekend in early December, our small groups got together in even smaller divisions (to align with the latest guidelines) to film videos for their recordings at some of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. The five holiday-themed videos we produced are your first opportunity to see and hear the results of Revv52’s work over the past few months. They’re our gift to you this Christmas, and we hope they bring you a little burst of joy this holiday season. Stay healthy, stay warm, and keep singing… we promise to do the same. For interview requests, photos, or broadcast-quality video & audio, please contact info@revv52.com

Merry Christmas! In 1970 Donny Hathaway wrote a song about the anticipation, joy, and love shared at this special time of the year. This Christmas became a popular modern carol, and we chose an arrangement by The Real Group - with its tight harmonies and lead solos. We filmed in front of the new and beautiful central Calgary Library, one of our city’s most breathtaking landmarks. *************************************************************** Music and Lyrics: Donny Hathaway and Nadine McKinnor Arrangement: Jon Smith Transcription: Jon Day Artistic Director: John Morgan Project Manager: Jennifer Matthias Soloists: Dave Kletke, Dallas Hayes-Sparks, Kate Heney Bass Guitar: Kit Johnson Keys: Jon Day Recording and Audio Mix: Morgan Music Video: Mediapop Films Rehearsal Technical Production: John Nairn Movement: Kyrsten Blair Wardrobe: Kate Heney Group Members: • Alec Blair • Barb Fabijan-Waddell • Chris Hope • Christian Morneau • Dallas Hayes-Sparks • Dave Kletke • Dave MacLeod • Janet Boswell • Jasmin Ogroske • Kate Heney • Kelli Northrup • Mallorie Miller • Michael Birnie • Stephanie Brugos *************************************************************** Getting to “the most wonderful time of the year” in 2020 has certainly been an adventure! Like many other arts organizations, Revv52 had to put in-person rehearsals on hold early in the year when choral singing was linked to a number of severe COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention—and to Revv52’s performers, making music together is definitely a necessity. In March, we shifted to online rehearsals through Zoom. Over the spring, Revv52 produced a number of creative and engaging virtual performances by having members record their individual audio tracks and videos from home, which were then carefully assembled by a video editor. That got us through to summer, but it was a long way from our usual sold-out performances in large concert halls. We needed to find a way to get back together safely for the fall semester. Following the guidelines of Alberta Health Services, Revv52’s Artistic Director, John Morgan, split the ensemble into four groups of 12 people. He then moved us into a new, private rehearsal space which provided better air flow and room for our singers to spread out. During rehearsals, our singers stayed physically distant from one another, wore masks at all times, used their own personal microphones, and sanitized their chairs and stands between groups. It was a logistical challenge and a lot of extra work, but these changes allowed us to get back to making music together again, safely. In November, John asked each small group to choose a Christmas song that was meaningful to them. After a few weeks of rehearsal, the guidelines for gatherings changed once again. Instead of recording as a small group, the singers went into the studio—one at a time—to record their part, singing along to tracks provided by Revv52’s band members. Once the audio was complete, our singers once again turned to Zoom to hold staging and choreography workshops. Then, on a chilly weekend in early December, our small groups got together in even smaller divisions (to align with the latest guidelines) to film videos for their recordings at some of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. The five holiday-themed videos we produced are your first opportunity to see and hear the results of Revv52’s work over the past few months. They’re our gift to you this Christmas, and we hope they bring you a little burst of joy this holiday season. Stay healthy, stay warm, and keep singing… we promise to do the same.

This Mariah Carey smash hit from 1994 has been covered by dozens of artists and continues to grow in popularity every year. Topping the Billboard 100 for the first time 25 years after its original release, the song’s catchy groove is unique in our Christmas catalogue this year. We filmed this song on a blustery cold night at Calgary’s Peace Bridge, one of the city’s recent architectural gems and one of our favourite landmarks. ****************************************************** Music and Lyrics: Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff Arrangement: Mac Huff Artistic Director: John Morgan Project Manager: Jennifer Matthias Soloist: Olivia Meyer Recording, Audio Production and Mix: MorganMusic Video: Mediapop Films Rehearsal Technical Production: John Nairn Movement: Kyrsten Blair Wardrobe: Claire Wilkes Group Members: • Brett Sieben • Claire Wilkes • Dan Duguay • David Birnie • David Little • Emmaly Livino • John Wiest • Autumn Dang • Manuella Scotton • Olivia Meyer • Peita Luti • Sandy Peacock ****************************************************** Getting to “the most wonderful time of the year” in 2020 has certainly been an adventure! Like many other arts organizations, Revv52 had to put in-person rehearsals on hold early in the year when choral singing was linked to a number of severe COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention—and to Revv52’s performers, making music together is definitely a necessity. In March, we shifted to online rehearsals through Zoom. Over the spring, Revv52 produced a number of creative and engaging virtual performances by having members record their individual audio tracks and videos from home, which were then carefully assembled by a video editor. That got us through to summer, but it was a long way from our usual sold-out performances in large concert halls. We needed to find a way to get back together safely for the fall semester. Following the guidelines of Alberta Health Services, Revv52’s Artistic Director, John Morgan, split the ensemble into four groups of 12 people. He then moved us into a new, private rehearsal space which provided better air flow and room for our singers to spread out. During rehearsals, our singers stayed physically distant from one another, wore masks at all times, used their own personal microphones, and sanitized their chairs and stands between groups. It was a logistical challenge and a lot of extra work, but these changes allowed us to get back to making music together again, safely. In November, John asked each small group to choose a Christmas song that was meaningful to them. After a few weeks of rehearsal, the guidelines for gatherings changed once again. Instead of recording as a small group, the singers went into the studio—one at a time—to record their part, singing along to tracks provided by Revv52’s band members. Once the audio was complete, our singers once again turned to Zoom to hold staging and choreography workshops. Then, on a chilly weekend in early December, our small groups got together in even smaller divisions (to align with the latest guidelines) to film videos for their recordings at some of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. The five holiday-themed videos we produced are your first opportunity to see and hear the results of Revv52’s work over the past few months. They’re our gift to you this Christmas, and we hope they bring you a little burst of joy this holiday season. Stay healthy, stay warm, and keep singing… we promise to do the same. MEDIA – For interview requests, photos, or broadcast-quality video, please contact info@revv52.com

Where Are You Christmas is one of our Christmas favourites. In a year like 2020, we all wonder if life will ever be normal again. We long for the connection that gathering together brings, as family, as friends, as musicians and as performers. This song, originally recorded by Faith Hill, reminds us of the strength and beauty of Christmas and that it brings us together even if it looks different than we’re used to. It has been covered dozens of times since its first release in 2000, and we chose an arrangement by Pentatonix. The video was shot on location at Calgary’s Rundle Ruins, one of our city’s original hospitals. Enjoy! ******************************************************* Music and Lyrics: Mariah Carey, James Horner and Will Jennings Arrangement: Pentatonix Artistic Director: John Morgan Project Manager: Jennifer Matthias Soloists: Krista Willott, Heather Cole, Jennifer Matthias, Brandon Wood Bass Guitar: Kit Johnson Keys: Jon Day Recording and Audio Mix: Morgan Music Rehearsal Technical Production: John Nairn Movement: Kyrsten Blair Wardrobe: Jennifer Matthias Group Members: • Athena Celis • Barbara Mitchell • Bekah Peterson • Brandon Wood • Brendan Rosenow • Brian Lalonde • Chris Willott • Heather Cole • Jennifer Matthias • Joe Moreau • Ken Wilson • Krista Willott • Rachel Thorne • Stuart Quinn • Viccy Grace ******************************************************** Getting to “the most wonderful time of the year” in 2020 has certainly been an adventure! Like many other arts organizations, Revv52 had to put in-person rehearsals on hold early in the year when choral singing was linked to a number of severe COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention—and to Revv52’s performers, making music together is definitely a necessity. In March, we shifted to online rehearsals through Zoom. Over the spring, Revv52 produced a number of creative and engaging virtual performances by having members record their individual audio tracks and videos from home, which were then carefully assembled by a video editor. That got us through to summer, but it was a long way from our usual sold-out performances in large concert halls. We needed to find a way to get back together safely for the fall semester. Following the guidelines of Alberta Health Services, Revv52’s Artistic Director, John Morgan, split the ensemble into four groups of 12 people. He then moved us into a new, private rehearsal space which provided better air flow and room for our singers to spread out. During rehearsals, our singers stayed physically distant from one another, wore masks at all times, used their own personal microphones, and sanitized their chairs and stands between groups. It was a logistical challenge and a lot of extra work, but these changes allowed us to get back to making music together again, safely. In November, John asked each small group to choose a Christmas song that was meaningful to them. After a few weeks of rehearsal, the guidelines for gatherings changed once again. Instead of recording as a small group, the singers went into the studio—one at a time—to record their part, singing along to tracks provided by Revv52’s band members. Once the audio was complete, our singers once again turned to Zoom to hold staging and choreography workshops. Then, on a chilly weekend in early December, our small groups got together in even smaller divisions (to align with the latest guidelines) to film videos for their recordings at some of Calgary’s most iconic landmarks. The five holiday-themed videos we produced are your first opportunity to see and hear the results of Revv52’s work over the past few months. They’re our gift to you this Christmas, and we hope they bring you a little burst of joy this holiday season. Stay healthy, stay warm, and keep singing… we promise to do the same. MEDIA – For interview requests, photos, or broadcast-quality video, please contact info@revv52.com.

Mount Royal Kantorei sings Eleanor Daley's In Remembrance from "Requiem" at their November 11th, 2018 Remembrance Day Concert. Artistic Director: John Morgan Mount Royal Kantorei has evolved over the past few years into a dynamic and adventurous ensemble with a reputation for excellence. This mixed voice, auditioned choir is the adult flagship chorus of MRU Conservatory and has been delighting Calgary audiences for 23 years. The choir strives to embrace a diverse and wide-ranging program of performance and collaboration under the vibrant leadership of Artistic Director John Morgan. Concerts of contemporary music and Canadian repertoire, as well as choral classics, are pulling in larger audiences than ever. Through its connection with Mount Royal University, the choir aims to strengthen the musical and vocal skills of individual members, and is unique in offering individual vocal coaching to all choristers. Regular sectionals and clinician-led workshops enrich and develop the choir as a whole. Our collaborations have provided exciting opportunities to sing recently with the Kenyan Boys Choir, headliner Jocelyn Alice (“Jackpot”) as well as various local choirs and orchestras. Join Kantorei for its 2018/19 season at the Bella Concert Hall as the choir presents and collaborates in various concerts. The line-up includes: The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace centenary service and concert with Calgary Youth Orchestra; Beethoven 9, a Calgary Youth Orchestra concert; Sounds of the Season, the annual Christmas collaboration of MRU Conservatory; Fauré Requiem, jointly presented with Calgary Men’s Chorus and St. Mary’s University Choir; and Choral Quirks: Oddities of Choral Repertoire a concert full of delightful surprises.

Mount Royal University's Kantorei and Cum Vino Cantus perform Joshua Rist's Invictus for SATB choir as part of the Martin Sadlon Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser. October 3rd, 2014 at the Rosza Centre, University of Calgary. Director: John Morgan Cello: Elizabeth Munson Piano: Michael Coburn Cum Vino Cantus Director: Jean-Louis Bleau Video Credit: Joni Millar

Mount Royal University's Kantorei and Cum Vino Cantus perform Ukuthula for SATB choir and soloist as part of the Martin Sadlon Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser. October 3rd, 2014 at the Rosza Centre, University of Calgary. Director: John Morgan Soloist: Jean-Louis Bleau (Director of Cum Vino Cantus) Arrangement: Andrew van der Merwe Video Credit: Joni Millar Translation: Ukuthula - Peace Kulumhlaba we zono - In this (broken) world of trouble Igazi like Jesu lin yenyez' - The blood of Jesus flowed (so that you could have:) Ukuthula - Peace Usindiso - Redemption Ukubonga - Praise Ukutholwa - Faith Ukunqoba - Victory Induduzo - Comfort