O Canada - A Prelude and Anthem

A breathtaking new release from Revv52 of Calgary, Alberta recorded and performed virtually to celebrate Canada Day 2020.

The opening Prelude is an original composition beginning with the Cree word 'Mâmawi' - meaning "All together". The orchestral arrangement by Artistic Director John Morgan sets the stage for the beautiful poetry about Canada's journey, potential, and hopes for the future from Governor General award-winner Richard Harrison.

I love unfinished things,
​the bookmark set between closed pages,
​​the field that waits for seed, Canada
​​​​​​is a place like that,
a history incomplete,
​a traveler turning around and wondering
​​​​at the distance gone, the distance yet to go.
What was there, Canada?
​What is ever there on a country’s road,
but times when we were glorious,
​​and times of things no one should have done?
Our anthem understands:
​words of pride with notes of mourning,
and the music of resolve to finish
​​​​and turn towards the road ahead.
Here is a place to say, We go on,
​not as before, and so keep faith with the best of what we are.
O, Canada, it is a complex love
​​that keeps us together,
​​​​and all the more true love for that.

Revv52's new arrangement of O Canada includes Cree Nation and Revv52 member Akina, French Canadian solo recording artist Renelle Ray, and Canadian R&B solo recording artist Justine Tyrell. All are accompanied by Revv52, Canada’s Vocal Energy who recorded from their homes virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revv52's tribute on Canada's birthday in 2020 seeks to stir the hearts of Canadians with haunting text, indigenous language and an original arrangement and performance of our magnificent anthem.

O Canada, A Prelude
Poetry: Richard Harrison © 2020
Music: John Morgan © 2020

O Canada Anthem
Soloists: Akina (Cree) / Renelle Ray (Français) / Brian Lalonde (Français) / Justine Tyrell (English)
Lyrics: Robert Stanley Weir (English) / Adolphe-Basile Routhier (French) public domain
Music: Calixa Lavallée public domain
Arrangement: John Morgan © 2020
Cree Translation with Permission: Wayne Jackson © 2020

Revv52 Artistic Director: John Morgan
Revv52 President and O Canada Project Manager: Jen Matthias
Revv52 Board of Directors: Michael Birnie / Brett Sieben / Ken Wilson / Alec Blair
Revv52 Marketing Committee: Ken Wilson (Chair) / Jen Matthias / Kim Berecsenyi / Viccy Grace / Stuart Quinn / Lisa Rouleau / Chloe Wong
Revv52 General Manager: Lisa Collins
Audio Mix & Video Direction: John Morgan
Video Editor: Nigel Goodwin
Soloist Video Shoot: MediaPop Films, with thanks to Revv52 member Barb Mitchell
Wardrobe: Jennifer Robertson
Makeup: Christian Morneau
Graphics: Oil City Press
Video Footage Licenses: Artica Studios / Java Post Production / Man and Drone / Fortnine

Revv52 MEMBERS

Sopranos: Kim Bercsenyi, Athena Celis, Peita Luti, Charity McInnis, Mallorie Miller, Jasmine Ogroske, Bekah Pederson, Jennifer Robertson, Valerie Teeter, Claire Wilkes

Altos: Janet Boswell, Stephanie Brugos, Heather Cole, Jennele Coulson, Linda Dang, Barb Fabijan-Waddell, Vicci Grace, Kate Heney, Emmaly Livino, Tara Luke, Jen Matthias, Barb Mitchell, Kelli Northrup, Sandy Peacock, Lisa Rouleau, Eve Shaw, Akina Slusar, Krista Willott

Tenors: Jody Alex, Michael Heney, Dave Kletke, David Little, Ian Malayang, John Morgan, Christian Morneau, Stuart Quinn, Brendan Rosenow, Chris Willott

Basses: Dave Birnie, Alec Blair, Dan Duguay, Brian Lalonde, Dave Macleod, Ian McKay, Joe Moreau, John Nairn, John Wiest, Ken Wilson

Revv52 is one of Calgary’s longest-standing performance groups who regularly entertains thousands of adoring fans each year, with concerts at the beautiful Bella Auditorium located within the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts at Mount Royal University.

#O Canada
#Oh Canada
#Canada Day

[karolineseymour]

I am proud to be in a land of the free.. God praise Canada

[kaichang]

I love Canada! Navtives, Canadians, and all of you!!!!

[jacksonlamp]

Very nice national anthem, I love Canada💐. I ❤️ AKINA🌹

[jamesturbett]

Even though we have some problems we are still the one of the greatest Countries.

[tateffer]

There is no one place perfect or a perfect country in this world. By far with every measures Canada stands in the top of the podium for not only beautiful country but a place which you can call it home. We love you Canada. Happy Canada day every one.

[simrankaurshiledar]

I am going to immigrate to Canada in just a couple of months....I'm not a and this still makes me feel proud and happy and makes me sing along this beautiful anthem that i have already by wait for that day when i'll be in Canada and singing this with my family next year on happy Canada ya Canada

[LouisPlayzEver]

this song is just too good! 10/10 whoo! 😃🤩🥳🤯👌👍💯

[SGuySMW]

I love the mix of Indigenous languages. Truly a unique rendition that promotes truth and reconciliation. I love it.

[dandrakenholt]

I love From Sweden with great love to a great country and a great people!!!

[bonniehunka]

So much pride in being Canadian ....we continue to learn and grow. Let us never settle, but continue to become ...kinder, better, and stronger united.

[emanuellima]

I lived in Canada for ten years. Here in Brazil, as a French teacher I pray this anthem to my students. They really like it.

[gwengrobe]

The best National Anthem ever. Love Canada

[dreadpirateroberts]

This actually made me choke up a bit. Despite all our problems, this is still the greatest country on earth.

[Cyberkiller]

I just saw this now, being from Alberta and recognizing some of the flaws of Canada. Hearing this version of our national anthem sparks great joy in me. Canada is an excellent country overall and I'm extremely proud to be Canadian.

[susanwalker]

So proud to be Canadian! What a beautiful homeland! 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

[kathleenhogan]

For our Canada for tomorrow, for all our tomorrows, a gift of glorious music made in Calgary. Thank you, Revv52.

[ljpatterson]

I just saw this on global now and I'm so proud to be a Calgarian and a Canadian, Happy Canada everyone 🇨🇦

[Avamm_offical]

This is my school oh Canada for the morning! 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[jamesstephen]

So proud to be Canadian!! I love all of my brethren!! Happy Canada Day!!

[floodtech]

I love this, it truly shows our beauty and expresses who we are, a strong multi cultural nation