Ḵi’mola

Ḵi’mola

“we are creating a sound feast to share with our audience while we learn to work together in good and lasting relationships” - Marion Newman

What is Ḵi’mola?

• Ḵi’mola means ‘walking together’ in the Kwakwala language.  Marion Newman, guest curator and mezzo-soprano writes: “Ki’mola is a program designed to highlight the importance of truly sharing and listening well to each other. Entering with the intention to learn and allow each other to take part in the leadership and responsibility of the event.
• No traditional feast is ever undertaken by just one person. The entire community pitches in with their talent, energy and good will to share in the creation of the feast. This builds community and is a wonderful way to learn and grow together. Music is the perfect platform for such an undertaking and we are creating a sound feast to share with our audience while we learn to work together in good and lasting relationships.
• Gilakas’la and we welcome you to walk together with us.”

Marion, who is this concert for?

• For lovers of vocal music, especially those who enjoy vocal chamber music.
• For audience and musicians interested in engaging in what reconciliation can be through music and art and for those who are interested in listening and contemplating as their contribution to reconciliation.
• And it’s for us! We who love to make music and who are inspired by each other’s ideas and talents. And what we do is never complete without an audience to join our circle and inspire us to share as beautifully and meaningfully as we possibly can in that moment.

What can I expect?

• The entire event is curated and defined by Marion Newman, the exceptional mezzo-soprano of Kwagiulth and Stó:lō First Nations with English, Irish and Scottish heritage.
• You’ll hear two world premieres - a new work by Jessica McMann (who will be a featured guest artist on flutes), and a new arrangement by Marion of her lullaby Kinanu.
• Music will be drawn from Marion and musica intima’s repertoire, creating a narrative to guide you through the evening.  The program will be created through Marion and the ensemble’s time together - expect the unexpected and a unique, liminal experience.
• It’s anticipated that Ḵi’mola will take place in the Great Hall at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, alongside carvings by Marion’s ancestors, subject to the completion of seismic upgrades.