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.

Shallaway’s spring concert, “Shine Your Light”, took place at the St. John’s Arts & Culture Centre on March 29th, 2026 featuring arrangements of Sam Smith’s “The Lighthouse Keeper”, The Ennis Sisters’ “Shine Your Light”, and Kellie Loder’s “Fearless.” In a time when our world needs hope, courage, and connection more than ever, this powerful concert reminded us of the extraordinary impact of young voices lifted together in song. The evening concert featured special guests, The Pearce Choir from Burin.

“Sing the World Better” is now streaming on CBC Gem! An instantly engaging documentary featuring Shallaway’s youth ensemble Lauda, a sanctuary of song which welcomes every neurotype to its joyful harmony.

Sing the World Better chronicles ten weeks with Lauda – a pioneering youth ensemble within the internationally renowned Shallaway Youth Choir, one of only a handful of choirs in the world to embrace all neurotypes. As the choristers prepare for their end of season concert, they reveal the joyful harmony they’ve found together while navigating a world not always tuned to their rhythm.

The young choristers in Sing the World Better are the stars of this documentary along with their luminous conductor, Kellie Walsh. The story of Lauda, the trailblazing choral ensemble that welcomes every neurotype, unfurls like a song itself. Lauda was born out of Walsh’s experience leading the internationally renowned Shallaway Youth Choir. She witnessed talented kids successfully audition but unable to learn within the traditional, highly structured choral world. Determined to create a space where every voice could belong, she founded Lauda. Now, inside a church in downtown St. John’s, Lauda prepares for its season finale on the big stage, learning the silken, complex harmonies that give Sing the World Better its name.

The usual slogans diversity is a superpower and inclusion in action are alive in this documentary. The film’s joyful rhythms, both in the music and in the construction around its insightful conversations, illuminate every aspect of this choral experiment. “There’s only one rule at Lauda. Don’t be mean.” And that rule creates the backdrop of everything this choir gives to these young people – friends, community, acceptance, safety, and freedom. Oh, and of course, music – lots and lots of music!

The filmmakers take their cues from the choristers who stake a claim in the storytelling – engaging with each other, the Shallaway leaders, their beloved music therapist Leanne Kearsey, and occasionally the filmmakers, in a disarmingly honest way. They have weathered so much in their young lives they seem wise beyond their years – profound, funny, and super smart. And the countdown is on. Ten weeks to showtime.

At the end, young Tyler is right! “This documentary rocks!”

Watch the documentary on CBC Gem. (Free subscription required)

Directed by Lian Morrison and Wanda Nolan. Director of Photography – Duncan De Young, Editor – Justin Simms, Sound Design & Music Recording – Glen Tilley, Sound Recordist – Mark Neary, Sound Editor and Re-Recording – Harvey Hyslop. Thank you to The Ennis Sisters and Dave Gunning. Produced by Annette Clarke, Ruby Line Productions Inc. in collaboration with Shallaway Youth Choir and the participation of PictureNL, CBC Atlantic, and the Hot Doc Slaight Fund.

Shallaway’s holiday concerts have wrapped up after a very busy December of ushering in the Christmas spirit! We kicked it off with 3 stunning performances of “Christmas at the Cathedral.” Audiences were spellbound by the gorgeous atmosphere and acoustics of the Anglican Cathedral, as they enjoyed performances from Prima, Dolce, Vivo, Nobile, Jubilate, and Camerata. Even Santa Claus himself made a surprise appearance to read “Twas the Night Before Christmas”!

Lauda’s first standalone concert – “Love is Christmas” took place on December 15th at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market, along with special guests, Stella’s Circle Inclusion Choir, the Newfoundland & Labrador Deaf Choir, and St. Paul’s Junior High Pop-Up Choir (a new initiative Shallaway has piloted). The unique concert venue enhanced the feeling of true community, as we sang our hearts out. Ending with the audience joining the choirs to sing Silent Night.

Shallaway was also thrilled to lend our voices to Kittiwake Ballet’s performances of “The Nutcracker”, as well as Nobile’s participation in Shelley Neville’s popular “O Holy Night” concerts. Camerata choristers took on a fundraiser for the upcoming Trail of the Caribou tour by carolling at various businesses throughout town, including an afternoon at the Avalon Mall.

Remembrance Day 2025

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 released 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. November 11th is both an day 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.

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)

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

We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible response to our “Lightkeepers” performances on Remembrance Day. The production shared the story of the 18 Newfoundlanders laid to rest in London and the young people who now carry their memory forward. Audience members called the show “world class,” “moving, stunning, impactful,” and one person shared, “It stands as one of the most meaningful acts of remembrance I’ve ever been able to observe.” Another wrote that it was “a production that reached all who watched it so deeply,” noting the performers were “beyond professional, poised and convincing in their roles,” and describing the experience as “an emotional ride I’ll never forget.”

Many people were especially moved by the heart of the story, saying, “I never knew this story, and now I do. And so do all those beautiful young people. You have done more to ensure that future generations never forget than you might realize. Every one of those gorgeous souls up there tonight is a lightkeeper. And they will make sure others never forget.” Others praised the care and attention poured into the work, calling it “packed with meaning” and “something I’ll be reflecting on for days.”

Parents and community members also spoke to the authenticity of the storytelling, with one person noting, “You managed to capture something really special. Not just remembrance as a moment, but remembrance as a living, ongoing responsibility we pass down to the next generation.”

Lightkeepers was written by Kyle McDavid , with original music/arrangements by Kyle, Leslee Heys, Maureen Ennis, and Perry Chafe. The show featured all of our Shallaway ensembles, as well as guest performers, musicians, and community members, descendants of the soldiers/nurse, and surprise appearances on stage by Steph Neale (former headteacher at Beatrix Potter School in London) and Her Honour The Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L.

So many brilliant people came together to make this show happen. For full information, please view the show program by clicking here: https://shorturl.at/ItDwl

Shallaway is deeply grateful for this outpouring of support and truly honoured to have shared a work that touched our community so deeply this Remembrance Day.

Lightkeepers is more than a season, it is a commitment to carrying light from the past into the future. Shallaway Youth Choir launches its 34th season with a poignant and powerful video premiere.

Against the iconic St. John’s Harbourside Park where urban meets rural, and we are reminded of both our history and our future, Ignite, by Emile Deedes-Vincke, is a choral work that celebrates the power of collective music making.

Artistic Director, Kellie Walsh: “Ignite” is a song that shows how music can shine light into the world. It reflects the essence of the meaningful season we are about to begin. Through its beautiful words, Ignite reveals the power of music to carry light and hope.”

The video is also an homage to Newfoundland and Labrador’s new National War Memorial, which stands as a poignant reminder of courage, commitment, and the enduring impact of war on communities. Key elements, the solemn figure of the woman, the eternal flame, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, symbolize remembrance, resilience, and the collective gratitude of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, a people who deeply values our history and the sacrifices made to build our future.

Shallaway Youth Choir’s 34th season brings this vision to life through music, storytelling, and international performances. From the world premiere of Kyle McDavid’s choral musical, Lightkeepers, honouring the remarkable acts of remembrance by young students in London, to our choral holiday concerts, evoking the timeless acoustics of Christmas past and celebrating inclusion with Lauda’s first stand-alone Christmas show, and onward to performing a world premiere by Leslee Heys on the battlefield of Beaumont Hamel on July 1, 2026, our incredible youth shine a light on history and hope.

View “Ignite” on Shallaway’s Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn accounts, or on YouTube:

For more info, visit www.shallaway.ca

To: All Members

TAKE NOTICE that the Annual General Meeting (the “meeting”) of Shallaway Youth In Chorus Inc., will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 21 for the following purposes:

 1.      To receive the Joint Report from the Board Chair, Artistic and Executive Directors

2.      To approve the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting of members

3.      To receive and consider the financial statements of Shallaway Youth In Chorus Inc. for the year ended August 31, 2024 and the report of the auditors thereon.

4.      To appoint Shallaway Youth In Chorus Inc. auditors for the ensuing year.

5.      To install the directors as per the nomination process.

6.      To transact such other business that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof.

From the cliffs of Cape Spear to the battlefields of Europe, the spirit of Newfoundland and Labrador has always been carried in song. In July 2026, Shallaway will bring that song to two of our most sacred places: Beaumont-Hamel in France and the Gallipoli Caribou Memorial in Türkiye.

Our singers will perform at the July 1st ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel, marking the site where the 1st Newfoundland Regiment made its fateful advance in 1916. Then, we’ll travel to Türkiye to become the first NL group ever to perform at the Caribou Memorial in Gallipoli.

This tour is a living act of remembrance — and a powerful way for our youth to carry forward the stories and sacrifices of our past.

Stay tuned to follow the journey, share your family’s stories of service, and help us make the whole province ring with pride.

Like, comment, and share to support our young NL ambassadors!