O Canada (2025)
for SATB divisi choir, a cappella
Text: Robert Stanley Weir (1856-1926) & Adolphe-Basile Routhier (1839-1920)
Duration: 1.5 minutes
Difficulty: 3/4
First performed in Edmonton at the Alberta Legislature by Chronos Vocal Ensemble (Jordan Van Biert, dir.) in April 2025.
This lush arrangement of "O Canada" was written on short order for Chronos Vocal Ensemble, who was invited to sing the national anthem at the Alberta Legislative Assembly. In this version, the melody is maintained throughout but reharmonized in new and unexpected ways. The arrangement was premiered in the Chamber of the Alberta Legislature on April 28, 2025; the sheet music was later tabled by the Speaker of the House and archived in their library.
Click here to see the complete score.
The audio below is a rehearsal recording by Chronos Vocal Ensemble in April 2025.
Full Text
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.