On April 17, Canada observed a national commemoration of the life and legacy of HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh. The service, broadcast live nationwide and online around the world, originated from our own Christ Church Cathedral. As the Anglican Cathedral in Canada’s capital, Christ Church, its clergy and musicians have long played an important role in shaping and leading national commemorations and state funerals.
Within hours of the announcement of the Duke’s death on April 9, coinciding as it did with the third wave of the pandemic and some of the most restrictive public health measures imposed thus far, it was clear that this particular state service (like its counterpart in the UK) would be very different from its antecedents and, more to the point, the one conceived over many years of planning. There would be no large in-person gathering of clergy or faith leaders, of officers of state or politicians, of ordinary citizens.
There would be no large processions, no live performances by guest musicians. And there would be no choir.
In line with our own Diocesan rules and government advice, the decision was taken to staff this national commemorative service with just two cantors: Assistant Director of Music Andrew McAnerney and Stephanie Manias, one of the most exciting and versatile professional singers in Montreal’s choral and early music scene, with myself as the Cathedral’s director of music at the organ.
We were fortunate that much, though not all, of the music originally envisioned for this service was able to be re-imagined and to maintain its place.
All of it had been carefully chosen to reflect not only the Duke individually but also his place as consort to Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada as well as the cultural resources and heritage of this country.
The service began with “Kontakion of the Faithful Departed” by Toronto-based composer Stephanie Martin. With words from the Eastern Byzantine rite the piece was a reminder of the late Duke’s Greek heritage and the Orthodox Christian faith into which he was born.
The psalm chosen for the day was Psalm 139: 1-11 (from the BCP Forms of Prayer to be Used at Sea) sung to a chant by Parry – an acknowledgement of the late Duke’s naval service and maritime associations.
Maurice Duruflé’s exquisite setting of the “Notre Père” was performed by Ms Manias as part of the general intercessions that day. Appropriately for a state event both official languages were well represented in the service music.
The hymn “I Vow to Thee My Country”, national and royal anthems and a postlude by the 19th century Canadian composer Samuel P. Warren completed the live musical offerings that day—all of it a reminder of the transformative power of art, even in these dislocating and isolating pandemic days, to give shape, form and voice to moments of collective thanksgiving, remembering and celebrating.
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