Choir at Ismaili Centre's Opening in Toronto

Nur: Reflections on Light (2014)
Composed by: Hussein Janmohamed
Commissioned by: The Aga Khan Museum for the opening of the Ismaili Centre Toronto, Ontario
Premiere performance by: The Elmer Iseler Singers with Guest Ismaili Singers | Saba Rawjani, Aleeza Ladhani, Mehnaz Thawer, Nafeesa Karim & Zulfikar Nathoo
Ismaili Centre Toronto | Ontario | September 12, 2014
[Soloist for opening Raag Darbari, Saba Rawjani]
Nur: Reflections on Light (2014) is a collection of miniatures and choral soundscapes exploring the ineffable nature of light inspired by the Verse of Light Ayat An-Nur (24:35) from the Qur'an. The collection contains newly composed music and reworked material written as a site specific composition for the opening. The music interweaves melodies from Ismaili Muslim devotional literature, Quranic recitation, classical Indian ragas and North American folk song into sonic textures inspired by early and contemporary choral music.
About the Composer:
Hussein Janmohamed is a singer, composer and conductor passionate about choral music. A South Asian Ismaili Muslim, born in Kenya, raised in Alberta and nurtured in British Columbia, music has been his inspiration to transform the negativity of racism and discrimination into a positive life force. Singing with others has been the bridge between choral music in school and congregational recitation in the prayer hall simultaneously enhancing his Canadian and Muslim identities. Knowing first hand the power of group singing, Hussein is dedicated through composition and performance to enable people of all backgrounds and abilities to access and enjoy the benefits of excellent choral music. He advocates for the enrichment of Canadian society through the musical celebration of our cultural diversity.

[@anaarshariff7126]

This choir did such a magnificent job. The piece suited the austere ambiance and I just could have listened to it forever. The singing was superb and felt very esoteric. Is it possible to get only the close up singing of the choir?

[@SurSangeetOttawa]

This is all we got from web. My daughter Saba who sang the first part Raag Darbari is trying to get the entire Ensemble's recording.