Leaf Music and Toronto-based ensemble Arkora bring together commissioned works by Canadian, American, and Chinese composers on their album Transfigured Light, through a compelling exploration of transformation, death and rebirth, darkness and light. Rooted in a dialogue between Renaissance vocal traditions and contemporary composition, the album reimagines the possibilities of the grand motet through microtonality, electric instrumentation, and influences spanning ambient, post-rock, jazz, and Carnatic music. The ensemble’s work explores how diverse musical traditions can converge in unexpected ways, creating performances and recordings that are as adventurous in their construction as they are evocative in their emotional impact.
The project grew from concert programmes that paired Renaissance motets with newly commissioned works, placing centuries-old musical traditions alongside bold contemporary voices. Across Transfigured Light, intricate vocal writing meets experimental instrumentation and shifting sonic textures, creating luminous harmonic landscapes that blur the boundaries between sacred music, improvisation, electronics, and contemporary classical composition. The resulting collection is immersive and richly layered, drawing on the expressive depth of historical vocal music while embracing the exploratory spirit of the present.
ABOUT ARKORA
Founded in 2014 by composer-bandleader Benton Roark and conductor-vocalist Kathleen Allan, Arkora is a Toronto-based polyphonic fusion consort dedicated to boundary-pushing new music. Blending chamber vocal music, contemporary classical, jazz, ambient, and post-rock, the ensemble has spent more than a decade creating and performing across North America. Their work encompasses concept albums, commissions, multidisciplinary collaborations, and large-scale performance projects, with music praised for its expressive depth, beauty, and adventurous synthesis of traditions.
Leaf Music is an independent classical recording label based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Nashville, Tennessee. The label produces and distributes recordings by artists and composers from across North America, with worldwide distribution through Naxos of America. In addition to its recording activities, Leaf Music provides professional audio and video production, post-production, and integrated marketing and distribution services.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
For more information/photos or to arrange interviews, please contact Meg Henebury
Email: meg@leaf.music
