Exultate’s program for the 2012-2013 season is inspired by Frost’s poem and explores the opposite yet apposite nature of fire and ice. This season presents a particularly innovative and exciting repertoire choice. Two concerts centred around the image of Fire, the fire of the passions and the fire of the spirit; and two concerts which focus on images of Ice and light.

October 27, 2012 Fire of the Heart
The season opens with a program grasps the passion of the heart, expressed in the image of the flames of desire and the burning ardour of the soul. The music stretches from the Renaissance to contemporary works. American composer Morten Lauridsen’s Six Fire Madrigals use Italian texts and are based on the forms and structures of Renaissance madrigals.  This is complemented by two Monteverdi madrigals, which talk about kisses so sweet and burning and Debussy’s well-known Trois Chansons. English and Canadian Madrigals and part-songs bring a lighter note to the second half of the programme. Dr. Karen Grylls conducts.

December 15, 2012  Of Ice and Light
Capturing the essence of Canadian winter, this concert features Poulenc’s Soir de Neige and Canadian R. Murray Schafer’s Snowforms, both of which use imaginative textures and astringent harmonies to represent snow. Randall Thompson’s Frostiana, a set of Seven Country Songs, is a tribute to Frost, whose poem inspired this season. Exultate will be joined by a treble choir from Havergal College, all conducted by Dr. Karen Grylls.

March 23, 2013 Illuminations from the North
This program continues the idea of the cold and light as it appears in the North, bringing the listener into the world of the northern composers; Canadian, Finnish, Danish and Norwegian. Featuring guest conductor Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt.

May 25, 2013 Fire of the Spirit
The final program of the year  takes the image of fire as represented by the Holy Spirit the Dove and the Flames of Fire. A wide range of works for choir and organ will draw listeners into an world of spirituality.  The climax of the concert and of the series includes settings of O Ignis spiritus by Imant Raminsh and Hildegard von Bingen. Featuring guest conductor Stephanie Martin.

For more information please call 416-971-9229. Ticket ordering will be available in late August or early September.