UCC Virtual Choir HANACPACHAP

Life as we knew it before COVID-19 has changed for all of us. Despite our inability to sing together in person, since March 16 the Choristers have been busy learning new music and rehearsing via ZOOM and proudly launching our new website. Recently we completed a virtual choir presentation from the repertoire previously planned for last May’s concert.

HANACPACHAP

Hanacpachap cussicuinin is the earliest published piece of vocal polyphony from the New World. Written in Quechua, the language of the Incas, it was included in Ritual, formulario e institucion de curas, a manual for priests written by Juan de Perez Bocanegra in 1631. This volume was published in Peru and was written in both Quechua and Spanish. The text we are singing translates as follows: Heaven’s Joy! A thousand times shall we praise you, O tree bearing thrice-blessed fruit, O hope of humankind, Helper of the weak. Hear our prayers!

Credits:

Upper Canada Choristers, Toronto-Canada. 2020

Under the artistic direction of Laurie Evan Fraser

Guest artist: Bernardo Padrón, Flute

Sound editing: Peter Olsen

Video editing: Jacinto Salcedo