Celebrating E. Pauline Johnson’s literary legacy, The Aeolian Singers pay homage to the 19th-century writer with Heart Songs of the White Wampum – A Celebration of the Poetry of E. Pauline Johnson.
Renowned for her poems, short stories, and performances, Johnson, also known by her Mohawk name Tekahionwake, left an indelible mark on Canadian literature. In their second concert of the season, the Aeolian Singers, in collaboration with guest artist Zoe Strutt on the marimba, will illuminate Johnson’s verses with two contrasting song cycles for treble choir.
At the heart of the concert are Tim Corlis’s Heart Songs of the White Wampum and Don MacDonald’s Fire-Flowers. The compositions serve as a poignant tribute to Johnson’s multifaceted life, delving into her triumphs and tribulations, including her courageous battle with breast cancer. Through melody and verse, the music captures Johnson’s profound connection to nature, echoing her joy, playfulness, and profound compassion.
Halifax Presents contributing editor Mark Robins was live with The Aeolian Singers for a sneak peek at the concert and to chat with the choir’s artistic director, Heather Fraser, to find out more.
The Aeolian Singers present Heart Songs of the White Wampum – A Celebration of the
Poetry of E. Pauline Johnson at the First Baptist Church (1300 Oxford St. Halifax) on April 28. The choir will also perform in Wolfville (April 27), Antigonish (May 4) and Truro (May 5). Visit aeoliansingers.ca for tickets and information.