This Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Crescent Arts Centre, the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir will present its second concert of the season. Titled Strings Attached, the performance will feature a captivating repertoire that blends the rich sounds of chorus and strings.
The concert will highlight works from both classical and contemporary composers, with a special focus on Norwegian choral master Ola Gjeilo. Joining the Phil for this performance is a local string quartet, which includes Vijay Chalasani, the Philharmonic Choir’s manager.
“This is going to be a marvelous concert and a perfect way to forget about the winter blahs and soak in some musical sunshine,” said Chalasani.
As manager of the Philharmonic Choir, Chalasani wears many hats, overseeing administrative duties, marketing and development. He joined the organization in the summer of 2023, shortly after becoming a Canadian permanent resident. This concert holds special significance for him, as it allows him to merge his administrative role with his passion for performance.
Speaking about the addition of a string quartet, Chalasani said, “It was actually Maestro Yuri Kloss’s idea, and I was really pleased by it—of course, being a string player myself. Strings and chorus came together quite easily and naturally for this concert, especially with the inclusion of music by Ola Gjeilo.”
Gjeilo’s compositions are known for their lush harmonies and evocative textures. According to Chalasani, the choir has embraced the music wholeheartedly. “I find that the choristers are really connecting with Gjeilo’s music. It’s incredibly satisfying to sing, and when you’re dedicating your free time to rehearsals, you want music that feels rewarding.”
The program will feature four works by Gjeilo—Tundra, The Rose, Evening Prayer and The Ground—which showcase the composer’s ability to blend vocal and instrumental elements seamlessly. Alongside Gjeilo’s compositions, the choir will perform Mendelssohn’s motet Jesu, meine Freude and Mozart’s Missa Brevis in G Major, K. 49, a mass he composed at just 17 years old.
“The Mendelssohn piece draws inspiration from Bach, while Mozart’s youthful mass reflects his Italian influences,” said Chalasani. “Both pieces will be performed with a string quartet, offering an intimate and immersive experience.”
The Crescent Arts Centre, known for its warm acoustics, will provide the perfect setting for this performance. “I always hear feedback from audiences that they love the experience of sitting in Crescent and hearing that warm sound surrounding them,” said Chalasani.
For Chalasani, the concert represents more than just a performance—it’s an opportunity to bring together his two passions. “I think it’s just going to be great to have the experience of working with a choir as a string player. I love working with vocalists—always have,” he said. “It’s fun to get to work with some friends and to merge my roles as both administrator and musician—two lives that are often separate.”
The Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir’s Strings Attached takes place on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. at the Crescent Arts Centre. For more details and ticket information, visit thephil.ca.
