- About Us: Innismara, meaning “island in the sea” in Irish Gaelic, is an autonomous vocal chamber ensemble that fills a gap in the rich tapestry of choral music in Newfoundland and Labrador. Comprised of professionally trained musicians, Innismara is dedicated to th... moreInnismara, meaning “island in the sea” in Irish Gaelic, is an autonomous vocal chamber ensemble that fills a gap in the rich tapestry of choral music in Newfoundland and Labrador. Comprised of professionally trained musicians, Innismara is dedicated to the performance of the intimate and hidden treasures of the vocal ensemble repertoire. Innismara made its debut in the summer of 2010 at Muses and Minstrels: A Festival of Early Performing Arts held in conjunction with the Cupids 400 celebrations. In collaboration with the Hot Earth Ensemble, Innismara performed music from the late Renaissance and early Baroque, highlights of which were recorded for national broadcast on CBC Radio.
The success of these performances led to an invitation to participate in a series of workshops and performances in the Labrador Inuit communities of Nunatsiavut in the spring of 2011. The entire exchange project was recorded by film-maker Nigel Markham and CBC radio producer Francesca Swann for a documentary film on the choral traditions of the Labrador Inuit.
In July of 2011, Innismara was pleased to be among the ensembles featured at the international choral event: Festival 500 Sharing the Voices where the group took part in the first ever Professional Development Program for Small Vocal Ensembles. Here, the group had the opportunity to workshop with Bob Chilcott (former member of the King’s Singers) and the world renowned Finnish vocal ensemble, Rajaton.
In the autumn of 2011, Innismara delighted audiences at the Cape St. Mary’s Performance Series and reunited with the Hot Earth Ensemble for Hosiana – Early Music of Praise and Thanksgiving, a concert celebrating Baroque choral, vocal and instrumental music. Following a December performance as the featured ensemble at CBC’s annual fundraiser for the Community Food Sharing Association, Innismara was honored to perform once again for Festival 500 at the 2013 event launch held at Government House in January.
In March 2012, Innismara appeared at the St. John’s premiere of Nigel Markham’s film project “Till We Meet Again: Moravian Music in Labrador”, which aired on CBC Television in August 2012.
Innismara recently completed its first professional recording project thanks to financial assistance from the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. less - Location: St. John's, NL, Canada [map]
- Since: 2010
- Voices: Mixed
- Choir type: Professional, Vocal Group
- Genres: A cappella, Classical, Sacred, Madrigal
- Website www.innismara.ca
- Open to new singers: Currently no
