Biography

spine-tingly,
soul-touching sound.

Camerata Xara welcomes you
to our 2011/12 Season.

Choir Group Photo

In 2007, conductor Christina Murray and a team of four young women began a year-long process that led to the birth of Xara. In the Spring of 2008, after a successful pilot project, the group was "adopted" as a second ensemble and youth initiative of the Halifax Camerata Singers. In 2009, choral singer and theatre specialist, Claire Leger, joined Christina to form Xara’s artistic team.

Designed to provide a professional artistic environment for young women ages 18-30 years old, Xara’s innovative approach has consistently attracted large audiences and critical acclaim. The ensemble frequently appears at high profile civic and provincial events and was proud to represent Canada at the international choral event, Festival 500, in 2011.

Xara’s work is fast gaining national and international recognition as an emerging inter-arts genre called choral theatre. Artistic duo Christina and Claire work collaboratively with the young women of Xara to create stories and myths told through a rich tapestry of challenging choral repertoire, choral movement, lighting, spoken word, and visual elements. These sung stories are a feast for the senses and heart-felt explorations of identity, community, and culture.

news

A REVIEW OF WAIL

from The Coast's Kate Watson

A new Nova Scotian myth has been born, thanks to the creative talents of Artistic Director Christina Murray, Movement and Scenography Designer Claire Leger and the Camerata Xara Young Women’s Choir. They have brought to life an original piece of choral theatre set on Brier Island Nova Scotia that blends together the stories of real-life, legendary sailor Joshua Slocum and of mythical Sirens.

The young women of the choir portray the Sirens, creatures who have been transformed from birds to women and grounded on the island. Actor Alan Slipp reads adapted excerpts from Slocum’s diary that tell the tale of the sailor as a young lonely boy befriending (and ultimately betraying) the Sirens.

But it is the music more than the spoken word that tells this story, and what glorious music it is. The choice of songs is eclectic, ranging from the traditional “Briar and the Rose” to the primal and haunting “Raising the Wind”. At times, voices cascade from the mezzanine and blend with others that are rising from below. The singers dance and move with effortless grace, making this a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to be present at the birth of a legend.

The next performance of WAIL will take place in Shelburne at the Osprey Arts Centre on June 2, 8 PM. Stay tuned for details about our fall tour of WAIL too!