Cultural Conversations

Next offered: spring 2021
Free event

Under the guidance of ethnomusicologist Dr. Jeanette Gallant, Elektra’s Cultural Conversations series is intended to build networks and open fruitful conversation around respectful, informed, and inclusive cross-cultural collaboration in our community.

Previous Cultural Conversations

The Huron Carol
September 24, 2019

Many choral leaders are wondering whether to teach and perform the iconic and beloved Huron Carol.  On Tuesday, September 24, 2019 Elektra Women’s Choir invited indigenous and non-indigenous musicians, composers, music presenters, and choral educators to a presentation and discussion.  The evening opened with a presentation by ethnomusicologist, Dr. Jeanette Gallant (D.Phil. Oxford) entitled “The Huron Carol: The Construction of a Canadian Musical Icon”. The presentation explored the origins of what is believed to be “Canada’s first Christmas carol” . Following this was an informal discussion of considerations around teaching the carol in classrooms and performing the work in public. Our discussion facilitator was Shelley MacDonald, National First Nations, Métis and Inuit Programs Leader, Learning Through the Arts.

Dr. Gallant’s Presentation Abstract: Abstract-The-Huron-Carol
List of online resources provided by Dr. Jeanette Gallant: Huron Carol Resource Sheet

Past Life Melodies
January 31, 2019 

Elektra hosted a presentation by ethnomusicologist, Dr. Jeanette Gallant (D.Phil. Oxford), on indigenous borrowings in Australian composer Sarah Hopkins’s iconic 1991 choral composition, Past Life Melodies.  The evening opened with a greeting and song by Elder Nx’ketko of the Ntle’kepmx Nation, one of five Interior Salish tribes in central B.C. This was followed by an informal discussion about similar issues in our current, Canadian context. Our discussion facilitator was Shelley MacDonald, National First Nations, Métis and Inuit Programs Leader, Learning Through the Arts.      Past Life Melodies presentation abstract