The first half opened with sopranos Emma Pennell and Elisabeth St-Gelais joining the orchestra for two new vocal works confronting history, memory and the lived experience of indigenous communities in Canada today. ‘You Can Die Properly Now’ was sung in Mi’kmaq with English surtitles. Pennell, also a noted librettist, has controlled power and range. She evoked the tragi-beauty of this short, captivating piece by Ana Sokolović and Michelle Sylliboy with real presence.

Two Indigenous poets. Two composers. This is the story how the first half of Voices of Canada came together, where Indigenous artists and voices take centre stage. Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal's Head of Programming, Ronald Vermeulen, shines a light on the creative journeys behind the music, from a mourning song for lost children to a celebration of Indigenous women's resilience.

Empire of Wild; music by Ian Cusson, libretto by Cherie Dimaline, is based on the latter’s novel of the same name and will feature as part of the COC’s main stage season in May 2027.