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

[@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.

[@bonniehunka3664]

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.

[@emanuellima4268]

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.

[@bellaasa6021]

Emanuel você sabe a letra da primeira garota cantando??? Tem como traduzir ou escrever em inglês?

[@emanuellima4268]

@@bellaasa6021 Bruno, o hino é um poema tanto em francês como em inglês. Temos que baixar a letra do hino e analisá-la. A garota do vídeo pode estar cantando em um linguajar indígena.

[@bellaasa6021]

@@emanuellima4268 é verdade pois a introdução é bem diferente. Obrigado Emanuel

[@makingitreal123]

A beautiful, and hard warming tribute to that glorious country of ours. I wish everyone a happy Canada Day and nothing but love, positive and clean, heart warming energy going forward for all! 🇨🇦

[@kathleenhogan5874]

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

[@emily.oshana1]

@David Scott rip Kathleen hasn’t answered you in 5 months

[@Revv52]

We are glad you enjoyed it.

[@simrankaurshiledar8900]

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

[@Revv52]

Thanks for watching and early welcome to Canada.

[@simrankaurshiledar8900]

@@Revv52 thank you!!

[@zanderw1199]

did you make it?

[@marymondenx5481]

Welcome bro..

[@dr.panzer839]

I wanna move to Canada.

[@floodtech]

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

[@paulettestjacques1526]

Thank you Mr Harrison and all who participated in making this presentation. So blessed to be a Canadian.

[@Cyberkiller45]

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.

[@Revv52]

We are glad you liked it.

[@jamesturbett3538]

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

[@jacqueleclock]

Good point. And thanks for not saying we are the greatest country in the world like our arrogant neighbours to the south do.

[@jamesgotte4552]

@@jacqueleclock That's why I hate living here, plan on moving back soon.

[@divadanza78]

And keep in mind the problems are nowhere near as awful as some of the problems faced in third world countries. Always be grateful.

[@georgewashington.t]

Undoubtedly 🙏

[@infxrnalsylvan]

@@jacqueleclock no american says we are the greatest country in the world. You are just mentioning the Maga republican minority that make our country and people look bad.

[@denisea350]

Beautiful, meaningful. We are blessed to be in a wonderful country, blessed with beauty and kindness. Thank you for the Cree introduction - amazing to hear the beautiful words of the song sung in an "original" language. Special and moving. We all can and must live together in harmony, respect and love. Only then do we deserve the Canada we aspire to.

[@Revv52]

Well said! Thank you so much!

[@dandrakenholt5455]

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

[@bertwormington133]

What an amazing visual and vocal presentation of our National Anthem. Your creativity is a blessing to all of us. We sing "God keep our land glorious and free" The truth is we are in control of our own destiny by our personal actions.

[@jamesstephen7350]

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

[@susanwalker6532]

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

[@wyliepcoyotesmith6019]

Wow! Wonderfully looks back, forward, warmly and critically with words, sounds, pictures and a human heart. A slice of Canada this day July 01, 2020.

[@suekaupp133]

Absolutely love this! It's now my favorite version of Oh Canada! Well done Rev52! So proud to be Canadian!!

[@user-oo3mw4zo8q]

Absolutely love this !it’s now my favourite version of oh Canada

[@EmilyJelassi]

This is beautiful.. made me tear up. Happy Canada Day everyone! Thanks Rev52 😊❤

[@diannesmith439]

Absolutely amazing. Loved the poem by Richard Harrison. Watched this on global tonight and gave me goosebumps.

[@SGuySMW]

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

[@Revv52]

Thanks.

[@amyokeefe9855]

A breathtakingly beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together. Just like our country.

[@karolineseymour6047]

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

[@LouisPlayz4Ever]

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

[@Revv52]

Thanks for watching.

[@LouisPlayz4Ever]

​@@Revv52 You're welcome :)

[@rafaelaugust5830]

I adore this video, such a beautiful nation with so many wonderful people. 🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day!

[@gwengrobe1066]

The best National Anthem ever. Love Canada

This represents the soul of Canada to me. That’s a wonderful piece, beautiful words, thank you 🙏❤️🇨🇦

[@Revv52]

Thanks for listening

[@andylee473]

Nice to meet you, my name is Andy, I am from Shanghai and I live in Sweden. Where are you from, I would love to know you better. Give me your WhatsApp number to add let's chat there. Hope to hear from you?

[@josephinevandebospoort1157]

As an immigrant to Canada, this just says it all for me. So proud to be Canadian. Well done and thank you to everyone who took part in making this.

[@LiberateAlberta1907]

Don't call yourself Canadian! You were not born here! Immi grants are paid for by Canadian taxpayers like me!! You are Canadian because of bo rn Canadians!! Immig ration is one of the problems of this country!! I'm fed up of it!!

[@steepdeej]

CANADIANS FOR TRUMP shut up man

[@LiberateAlberta1907]

@@steepdeej I will no stay silent!! Canada is going through hell because of the Liberals. Trudeau would rather spend money on immi gration then making sure his own people are looked after. I am tired of feeling like my fellow Canadians are second base to the immi grants. I didn't ask for them here!

[@stom8360]

CANADIANS FOR TRUMP - You’re very mean spirited and un-Canadian. We don’t need you here. Please move to the States and good riddance!

[@LiberateAlberta1907]

@@stom8360 Truth hurts. Deal with it!! I am tired of paying for immi grants who come here and take advantage of my fellow Canadians. I am very offended when they call themselves Cana dians. THEY ARE NOT CANAD IANS!! I have more rights to the Red and White then they do!! They should not be allowed to vote in our elections. Like I said. Trudeau needs to look after his own people before bringing in more people like he is planning on doing. No wonder my province wants to separate from Canada! All my province does is pay pay pay! I voted for Maxime Bernier to stop mass immigration. I was saddened he didn't get voted in. All we have is the dum dum on Parliament Hill who loves putting all our hard earned tax dollars into the fcking immigration and foreign aid to countries who don't need our help. Like Saudi Arabia. Our Canadian oil sits up in Fort Mac while Trudeau imports oil from Saudi Arabia with our tax dollars and you Liberal Snowflakes are too blind to see the damage he is causing this country. Sad for you!!

[@thomaslawarejr.2362]

I love the prelude and the fact that First Nations starts the anthem and than French comes in and than English finishes it off. Its awesome!

[@Revv52]

Thank you :) We are glad you liked it.

[@quindicidiciotto]

Every year I remember Canada Day, and from "sunny Italy" I share with fellow Italians the beauty of this country through our anthem. Being Canadian of Italian origin gives me the chance to be proud of two great countries. This morning I came across this version quite by accident and my breath stopped. I have been playing it for hours, with tears in my eyes and a flutter in my heart. You have done a marvellous job of portraying what Canada is... Saluti e auguri from Italy

[@dreadpirateroberts3568]

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

[@jaamslt]

My eyes I are leaking. 💞.

[@teneshwebber681]

Yes greatest country... !! Happy Canada Day!!

[@LiberateAlberta1907]

It used to be the greatest country on Earth til the Liberals took over!! Now I absolutely despise my country

[@lilyarnaout7369]

❤️🇨🇦

[@lilyarnaout7369]

CANADIANS FOR TRUMP If that’s the name you choose, no wonder you can despise your own country

[@illexsquid]

Coming up on two Canada Days since this came out, and this may still be the best anthem video of all time. Love the naked emotions on everyone's face at the end.

[@illexsquid]

(Special shout out to the guy 2nd from left and 5 rows down, who is clearly and deeply feeling it.)

[@willy.william4582]

If i wasn't born an American, i would've want to be born Canadian. I stand on guard for thee, Canada, my mother's homeland.

[@thomaslawarejr.2362]

If your mother was born a Canadian citizen you might be able to apply for citizenship!

[@willy.william4582]

@@thomaslawarejr.2362 I have looked in to it, but after I registered to vote and turned 18, I lost the chance. While, yes it is possible to have a dual citizenship it would require contacting the Canadian Embassy and a whole lot of red tape.

[@jmarc0014]

Just have my Canadian Oath Taking yesterday and this video makes me choke. Thank you, Canada, and for welcoming me into your land and making me a part of this beautiful country. 🇨🇦🍁

[@Revv52]

Welcome! We are glad you liked it and huge congratulations on becoming a Canadian citizen.

[@jmarc0014]

@@Revv52 Thank you very much! 🇨🇦🍁

[@tracyf1054]

Amazing love this. Thank you. I’m so very proud to call Canada home 🇨🇦❤️

[@shanthiwickramasinghe4542]

Beautifully sung with passion for our land strong, free and blessed with a strong community love and ties that bind.

[@ShyChaiii]

This actually made me cry this was so amazing I love this cover of our anthem so much

[@Revv52]

Thanks so much :)

[@PaulLitwack]

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! Kudos to Revv52 and all who helped create this awesome version of our National Anthem. I believe it will become everyone's favourite and I support this more inclusive version to be enacted by Parliament. Again congrats and continued success. 🙏

[@cntmanagementgroup1910]

My new favourite version and the prelude sets the stage so beautifully! Great performance by all!

[@andylee473]

Nice to meet you, my name is Andy, I am from Shanghai and I live in Sweden. Where are you from, I would love to know you better. Give me your WhatsApp number to add let's chat there. Hope to hear from you?

[@waleedashraf3002]

GOD BLESS THIS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME A PLACE I CAN CALL HOME!

[@kaichang8269]

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

[@ljpatterson1]

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

[@LiberateAlberta1907]

I live in Edmonton and I want Alberta to leave the country

[@Eutropios]

TRUMP SUPPORTER good luck, bud. Not gonna happen.

[@jacklogan_bsb]

@@LiberateAlberta1907 lmao

[@jacklogan_bsb]

@@Eutropios Joey b is president

[@mr.picklejar]

Hey buddy! I'm a proud Calgarian too

[@ScarboroughHomes]

This was a very powerful performance. Congratulations to Revv52!

[@jiaye01]

bring tears to my eyes

[@egarres]

Happy Canada Day! ... The video made me teary and I got goosebumps when Akina sang.

[@daeve8039]

Happy Canada Day to all my family, friends and all Canadians everywhere celebrating this special day! I am very happy and proud that you are our neighbors! It's a beautiful country with lovely caring people and I have come to love it as my own!

[@harleyshock3569]

This was amazing! Although I'm from the US, I grew up less than an hour from the border & we would visit your beautiful country all the time!! I love how all the comments are kind & inclusive, I appreciate Canada and it's people so much.

[@Revv52]

Thanks so much :)

[@johannesgroot6372]

Beautiful inspiring and emotional. Proud to be a Canadian!! Happy Canada 🇨🇦 day folks!!!

[@MrPerfesser]

Happy Canada Day from a neighbor to the south who admires and loves Canada!

[@thegreypenguin5097]

n e i g h b o *u* r :D

[@parikameh1082]

Same lots of love from MI. The hope of humanity Happy Canada Day!

[@monstroturk]

So beautiful I want to hear this all the time!

[@DanTheOneManBand]

I LOVE the poem Mr. Harrison! Kudos Revv52!

[@ritalee4918]

This was so beautiful to watch....so proud to be a Calgarian and a Canadian. Happy Canada to all family and friends on July 1, 2020 Thank you Revv52 for sharing this precious moment in our problems with Corvid.

[@andylee473]

Nice to meet you, my name is Andy, I am from Shanghai and I live in Sweden. Where are you from, I would love to know you better. Give me your WhatsApp number to add let's chat there. Hope to hear from you?

[@albertagal46]

How wonderful from my BC home I wish all in our majestic country a great Canada Day.

[@andylee473]

Nice to meet you, my name is Andy, I am from Shanghai and I live in Sweden. Where are you from, I would love to know you better. Give me your WhatsApp number to add let's chat there. Hope to hear from you?

[@perryg6220]

Proud to be Canadian happy Canada day

[@margaretdoyle7301]

How beautiful is this. I am so proud to be a Canadian. XOXOXOXO

[@danielpeter3834]

Greetings From USA Canadian Brothers I might move to Canada to see this with my own eyes... 🇺🇸🤝🇨🇦

[@Revv52]

Thanks for watching.

[@bobbolton8671]

Wow!,, that was great. Thank you.

[@Revv52]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TranslinkLover_YT]

As a Western Canadian respect from British Columbia

[@Avamm2_offical]

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

[@Revv52]

YAY :)

[@jacksonlamp318]

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

[@Revv52]

❤️

[@PauletteHunter123]

Loved this version, it made me cry and remember why I love my country so much.

[@glennextra]

Wow, made me cry, this is who we are now. a stronger and better country.

[@bassdeff8819]

It's who we've always been but with a separatist party in the east and newly forming separatist party in the west, along with the rise of both extreme left and right ideologies over the past decade I wouldn't say we are a stronger better country.

[@rainbowunicornnun]

I didn't think I'd cry hearing this, but I did. So beautiful ❤🍁 I am so grateful to have immigrated to this country 25 years ago, there's no other place like it, I'm proud to be Canadian 🇨🇦

[@sama-jr5cc]

Proud Canadian 🇨🇦💗

[@Revv52]

Us too!

[@matthewtorok-smith1967]

The Cree language is so beautiful!

[@Revv52]

It really is! Thanks for watching.

[@matthewtorok-smith1967]

@@Revv52 I love my country!

[@MrSpookie01]

Happy 153 Canada!!Happy Canada Day 2020!!❤🇨🇦😷😀👍👍🎂🎈🎈🎈✨🎇🎆

[@MudkipNerd]

Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi, Mamawi 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 traveller 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 where we were glorious, and times of things no one should have done. Our anthem understands; words of pride with notes of warning, and the music of resolve to finish and turn towards the roads 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 is a complex, love that keeps us together and all true love for that. Ka Kanata, ne tee ta we naaaaaaa, nee sa ke ta na, ney wey a so a te naaaa. Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix. Ton histoire est une épopée, Des plus brillants exploits. God keep our land glorious and free. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee

[@FENAFENADODOVIDEOGRAPHY]

I love you Canada 🇨🇦 the best county in the world, may god protect our country ❤️

[@thebella422]

Absolutely beautiful!! So proud to be 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@Dreamer4401]

Thanks REVV52!💕💕

[@jpedro...]

I love Canadá 😍 I'am brazilian 🇧🇷

[@Revv52]

Thanks for watching!

[@malichonka__03]

Beautiful anthem! 🇩🇪🤝🇨🇦

[@stucker5860]

Happy Canada Day to SR and the country.

[@CaptainSnowball08]

Such a beautiful rendition! Loved the prelude, goosebumps as I listen to this. Much love ❤

[@Revv52]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hiddinkj]

Definitely made me choke up,and yes this is the best and most beautiful place in the world. Wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Thank you for a beautiful song.

[@bluechase1451]

I've lived in Canada since I was born. This is the moments I have singed O'Canada. From Toronto, Ontario. 0:57 I see the CN tower of downtown Toronto. I am happy that I have seen this song.

[@Revv52]

Thanks for watching.

[@67km67]

The most beautiful anthem,,, as a swede and alot of native relatives O Canada SOOO BEAUTIFUL

[@anthrogirl7456]

I flat out cried. That was wonderful.

[@Revv52]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@karenbrown2875]

Yup, crying! Really nice - thank you!

[@trudycolborne2371]

Very lovely. Happy Canada Day to all the Canadian travelers.

[@patrickgiroux397]

Very moving - thank you

[@BeeCalm2]

Sooo moving! Makes us proud 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@banditoo00]

Absolutely beautiful! So proud to be Canadian!

[@dougrobnyc]

Amazing!!! Bravo!!

[@RickyTickyTshirt]

Thank you Revv52 ..awesome

[@nancystein1190]

This is amazing - We are a work in progress ; nevertheless, still the best place on earth! Thanks Revv52.

[@PianoHooks]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@lorrainehamilton6980]

Beautiful, I loved this Oh Canada

[@jimberry4826]

Outstanding!

[@jamesgotte4552]

God bless Canada 🇨🇦

[@Revv52]

Indeed

[@reneejaspers5322]

Wow it gives me goosebumps.

[@Christian_Martel]

Magnifique. Malgré nos différences et un passé qu’on voudrait réparer, tous les espoirs sont permis pour ce pays.

[@cherylmorrow7821]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@annimukkala-stinn5017]

Beautiful! Thank you.

[@royripkens5515]

Thoroughly enjoyed this! Beautiful.

[@cathycanadian3328]

This should be our new Canadian anthem and how it should be sung instead of just in English or French. I cried throughout the whole video and never felt prouder to be a Canadian. Revv52, thank you SO much for this rendition.

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

CathyCanadianFam you know the French version is completely different from the English version, right? It’s not merely a translation.

[@elemissie]

beautiful

[@brucefoster8937]

Wonderful!

[@GrumpyGoat]

Very moving. 🍁❤❤

[@the_roblox_queen1349]

Love ❤️ Canada 🇨🇦 HaPpy 😃 Canada 🇨🇦 Day 💕 2020

[@zachariahmathew4659]

Absolutely Amazing

[@SportaJuli]

Beautiful version of "Oh Canada" with all of Canada's languages represented