Ode to Newfoundland

Arranged for Shallaway by Leslee Heys
Words by Sir Cavendish Boyle
Music by Sir Hubert Parry

Performed by: Shallaway's Camerata Ensemble (Grades 7 - 12)

The Ode to Newfoundland is deeply rooted in the history of our province. Written in 1902 by Governor Sir Cavendish Boyle with music by Sir Hubert Parry, it was adopted as Newfoundland’s anthem in 1904, set aside at Confederation, and reinstated as the provincial anthem in 1980. We still sing it at public gatherings, most often the first and last verses, because its language reflects our place, weather, and memory. This new arrangement by our own Leslee Heys was created for Shallaway with that care in mind. As soon as you hear the opening piano chords, you may imagine the sun lifting over Signal Hill.

We release it on Remembrance Day with intent. In Newfoundland and Labrador, remembrance has been shaped by Beaumont Hamel and by the many other conflicts from which this province has known loss. Today it is both an act of remembrance for those who served and a moment to reflect on conflict in our world. To sing the Ode in this season is to hold those names and families in mind and to place our voices within that history.

Performed by:
Shallaway’s Camerata Ensemble (Grades 7–12)

Piano:
Leslee Heys

Camerata Team:
Kellie Walsh, Artistic Director
Leslee Heys, Collaborative Pianist
Robert Colbourne, Nobile Sr. Director
Jennifer Neary, Executive Director

Choral Scholars/Mentors/Associates: Emmajane Donnan, Daniel Dumaresque Correa, Ben Candow, William Massey, Aiofe Strand, Ren Morano, Maggie Nixon, Isabella Babstock