Rhonda Head
INDIGENOUS SINGER-SONGWRITER RHONDA HEAD RETURNS TO CARNEGIE HALL WITH FLIN FLON COMMUNITY CHOIR
Rhonda Head, award-winning vocalist from Opaskwayak Cree Nation
November 2, 2023 – The Flin Flon Community Choir, renowned for their mesmerizing vocal performances, is making a triumphant return to Carnegie Hall in New York City on November 13 with 16-time international award-winning vocalist Rhonda Head joining the ensemble. This marks their third time gracing the legendary Carnegie Hall stage and promises to be a memorable evening of music and culture.
The Flin Flon Community Choir, hailing from the picturesque town of Flin Flon in Manitoba, has made a name for themselves through their exceptional vocal harmonies and dedication to musical excellence. Their journey to Carnegie Hall is a remarkable one, beginning with their debut at Lincoln Centre and followed by their previous successful performance at Carnegie Hall, which resonated with audiences and critics alike. The choir’s commitment to delivering extraordinary musical experiences has consistently drawn them to prestigious international stages.
Rhonda Head, an Indigenous singer-songwriter of Cree heritage from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, is set to join the Flin Flon Community Choir for this special performance. Head, who has been celebrated for her powerful and soulful voice, brings a unique blend of Indigenous influences to the stage. Her collaboration with the choir promises to be a harmonious fusion of musical talent and cultural richness.
Head shared her excitement about the upcoming performance and collaboration with the Flin Flon Community Choir at Carnegie Hall: “Choral music is such a beautiful illustration of how people from different cultures and walks of life can come together to create something harmonious and beautiful. I am honoured to stand on the illustrious stage of Carnegie Hall with the Flin Flon Community Choir.”
This event is particularly exciting as it features the choir as part of a larger, international ensemble premiering a new composition titled the “Twilight Mass.” This piece is the creation of Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, a world-renowned name in the realm of choral music. The performance will be conducted by Jonathan Griffith, the artistic director of Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), a prestigious organization that has been a frequent collaborator with the Flin Flon Community Choir.
The “Twilight Mass” is a magnificent and evocative composition that promises to take audiences on an extraordinary musical journey. Its world premiere at Carnegie Hall, with the Flin Flon Community Choir in the spotlight, is an event that is sure to leave a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
The Flin Flon Community Choir, known for their community-driven approach and passion for bringing culture to the forefront, is proud to represent Flin Flon, Manitoba, and Indigenous voices on this prestigious stage. Rhonda Head’s participation adds an extra layer of cultural significance to this performance, showcasing the harmonious blending of diverse artistic traditions.
Crystal Kolt, the director of the Flin Flon Community Choir, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming performance, emphasizing the significance of the international collaboration:
“As we return to Carnegie Hall for the third time, the excitement is immeasurable. Our choir has always been about community and extending our musical family far beyond Flin Flon. This international collaboration, which includes the remarkable talents of Indigenous singer-songwriter Rhonda Head, is a testament to the power of music to connect people from different corners of the world. It’s always a joy to meet and harmonize with fellow choristers from around the globe, and together with Rhonda, we’ll create an unforgettable night of music and cultural exchange.”
Tickets for this memorable evening are available through the Carnegie Hall Box Office and online at www.carnegiehall.org.
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For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Jane Puchniak | JPPR
[email protected] | 204-951-7727
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About the Flin Flon Community Choir: The Flin Flon Community Choir is a dynamic ensemble of vocalists hailing from Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. They are known for their commitment to musical excellence and community engagement. The choir has earned recognition for its previous performances at prestigious international venues and collaborations with world-class artists.
About Rhonda Head: 16-time international award-winning Mezzo-Soprano vocalist Rhonda Head is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba. These awards add to her lengthy list of milestones including singing at New York’s Carnegie Hall (2016, 2023) and Lincoln Center (2014). Rhonda acts as a Board Member at Canada’s largest rights management organization, SOCAN. As a member of the American Recording Academy, she is also an ongoing jury member for the GRAMMY Awards in the regional roots category. Rhonda released her fourth full-length album Waniska this September. The album’s title, Waniska, means to rise up or awaken in the Cree language marking the emotional and spiritual sentiments weaved through the music and the lyrics. The album is a dedication to Rhonda’s late brother, Chris, and her journey of experiencing loss and finding happiness once again.
About Carnegie Hall: Carnegie Hall is one of the most iconic and prestigious venues in the world, located in the heart of New York City. It has hosted countless legendary performances and continues to be a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural enrichment.