Exsultate Makes a Mark at the World Choral Expo in Lisbon.

Our newest ensemble, Exsultate represented Canada at the International Federation of Choral Musicians World Choral Expo in Portugal from September 3-7th.

On the first night in the city, they sang “Storm” at the Forte de Sao Juliao da Barra for choirs from around the globe. The ensemble’s first concert featured a performance with the Aarhus Girl’s Choir of Denmark and the Cantemus Youth Choir of Moldova.

Exsultate also attended a choral workshop by Karen Brunsson and gave a workshop on engaging choral warm-ups which wrapped with an impromptu outdoor singing and dancing session with The Collective Singers from Namibia. Exactly the kinds of spontaneous international connections we hope our young performers will experience on tour.

Our young choristers also performed with the Lisbon-based group Incognitus Ensemble and attended a concert by Ordinarius, a popular seven member vocal group from Brazil, who enjoyed three encores.

As artists and representatives of our country, Exsultate made many connections for future collaborations and performances. Exsultate was further honoured at the international exposition by the choice of a song from our Shallaway repertoire for the closing song in the finale concert. Hearing choral voices from all over the world singing Maureen Ennis’ “We Will Sing” is a fine example of how our culture sings and inspires others.

To see videos and photographs from Portugal go to our @shallawaynl Instagram account and click on the Lisbon 22 story highlight.