From Beaumont-Hamel to Gallipoli: Shallaway Choristers Represent Newfoundland and Labrador on the World Stage

This summer, Shallaway’s Camerata ensemble embarked on an unforgettable journey through France and Türkiye, representing Newfoundland and Labrador on the international stage through music, remembrance, and cultural exchange.
A highlight of the tour was participating in commemorations marking the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, where choristers performed at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial alongside the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band and in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Standing among the preserved trenches where so many Newfoundlanders served and sacrificed, the choir performed the world premiere of Leslee Heys’ original work Eternal Bright, the French national anthem, and Ode to Newfoundland in a deeply moving tribute.

Watch “Eternal Bright” from the July 1st Livestream

The journey continued in Türkiye, where Camerata built friendships through music with the Çoksesli Çocuk Korosu of Çanakkale and performed Tim Baker’s “On the Beach / Kumsalda” at the Gallipoli Peninsula with a film crew documenting the experience.

“This was my first Shallaway tour, and it meant so much to me. It felt like we were part of something so special and important by visiting all those young soldiers who were laid to rest in France and Türkiye. Getting to stand where they stood, and visiting them (when a lot of their families may not have gotten the chance) really humanized the war for me in a way that can’t really be learned in a classroom.”- Camerata chorister, Emma    

From the trenches of Beaumont-Hamel to the shores of Gallipoli, Camerata used music to honour history, build international friendships, and serve as ambassadors for Newfoundland and Labrador around the world.