Tune in on March 20 for “Hands”

On Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 6 pm ADT, the first day of spring, ChandraTala (Kokopelli Choir Association), Choeur Adleisia, Elektra Women’s Choir, Myriad Ensemble, Nove Voce, and Sirens will virtually premiere Jocelyn Hagen’s new SSAA voicing of her piece, Hands on YouTube.

110 Singers – 6 women’s choirs from across the country – Hands is a piece without words, symbolizing unity without the barrier of language. It was originally commissioned for SATB choir for the 2017 IFCM World Symposium on Choral Music.

Early in the pandemic, Elise Naccarato, Artistic Director of Myriad Ensemble, approached Jocelyn about re-voicing the for SSAA choir, with the idea that it could be used to unite women’s choirs from across the country. After speaking with Morna Edmundson, Artistic Director of Elektra Women’s Choir, who enthusiastically embraced the idea, Myriad and Elektra co-commissioned Hands.

Elise then invited a handful of Canadian women’s choirs to collaborate in creating the premiere performance video. The project quickly became more than just a video. It became an opportunity to share our stories, to help each other through difficult moments and to focus us all on a shared goal. As Jocelyn Hagen has said: “Hands has become a symbol of hope and unity that someday, we will sing together again.” Hands is dedicated to our choral sisters and brothers in song. During difficult times, may singing together be our solace, provide joyful moments, and serve as a reminder that we are not alone.

Hands will premiere on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 6 pm ADT on Sirens YouTube channel.