Performance: musica intima, St. James’ Anglican Church, Vancouver, BC, May 27, 2022. musica intima gratefully performs and operates on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Lyrics translated from Ojibway:
Nibi – Water
Ningaabii’anong – West
Giiwedianong – North
Waabanong – East
Zhaawanong – South
Aki – Earth
Omaa biindig – here inside
About Omaa Biindig:
“Balfour’s beautiful ‘Omaa Biindig’ sets an Ojibway text in this lush but approachable choral work. The work travels through the directions of North, South, East and West, as well as Water and Earth – before reminding us of the direction we so often forget, here, inside ourselves. Choirs of all levels will enjoy the rich harmonies and gentle flow of this stunning work.”
About Andrew Balfour:
“Of Cree descent, Andrew Balfour has written a body of more than 30 choral, instrumental and orchestral works, including Empire Étrange: The Death of Louis Riel, Migiis: Sound Scape of the Whiteshell, Vision Chant, Gregorio’s Nightmare, Raven Can Tango, Wa Wa Tey Wak (Northern Lights), Fantasia on a Poem by Rumi, Missa Brevis and Medieval Inuit. He has been commissioned by many organizations, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Regina Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg Singers, the Kingston Chamber Choir and Camerata Nova.
His works have been performed and/or broadcast locally, nationally and internationally. Andrew is also the founder, conceptual creator and Artistic Director of the innovative, 14-member vocal group Camerata Nova, now in its 20th year of offering a concert series in Winnipeg. With Camerata Nova, Andrew specializes in creating “concept concerts” (Wa Wa Tey Wak (Northern Lights), Medieval Inuit, Chant!, Tricksters and Troubadours ) exploring a theme through an eclectic array of music, including new works, arrangements and innovative inter-genre and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Andrew has become increasingly passionate about music education and outreach, particularly on northern reserves and inner city Winnipeg schools where he has worked on behalf of the National Arts Centre, Camerata Nova, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and various Winnipeg school divisions over a period of seven years. Andrew was Curator and Composer-in-Residence of the WSO’s Indigenous Festivals in 2009 and 2010 and in 2007 received the Mayor of Winnipeg’s Making a Mark Award, sponsored by the Winnipeg Arts Council to recognize the most promising midcareer artist in the city.”
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