November 11, 2026
Benedict Sheehan’s ‘Ukrainian War Requiem’ — The National Tour
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre, 290 Lisgar St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0G8
The Axios Men’s Ensemble from Edmonton, who have recently secured a historic Juno award, winning for Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) for the recording of their Ukrainian War Requiem, has announced a national tour of nine Canadian cities this November.
Composed by two-time Grammy-Nominated Benedict Sheehan, this monumental choral work spans 12 impactful movements that seamlessly blend modern musical styles with ancient chants and traditional Ukrainian motifs. The choral tribute serves as a powerful musical reverence for those affected by the war, offering solace and strength to the living and the grieving, and ultimately providing a solemn space for remembrance and prayer through a skillful and heartfelt tribute to Ukraine and her people.
Conducted by Maestro Michael Zaugg, the choir will feature over 50 performers from Axios Men’s Ensemble and Pro Coro Canada, including acclaimed international soloists from North America, Europe, and Ukraine.
More than music, the Ukrainian War Requiem is a sombre journey through grief and loss, acting as a fervent reminder of the enduring grace of the human spirit. Secure your seats to join us for an evening of sacred reflection and hope.
Tickets are $45 for general admission through the link, $50 at the door, and $30 for students 18 and under.
As well, the Axios Men’s Ensemble offers the option to Pay it Forward: Send a Ukrainian newcomer to the performance for $45.
Axios Men’s Ensemble is an all-male chorus founded in 2003 under the direction of Boris Derow, dedicated to performing Eastern sacred music in both liturgical and concert settings for modern audiences. Axios has performed across Canada and the United States and recently commissioned Grammy-nominated composer Benedict Sheehan to compose Ukrainian War Requiem, a memorial honoring all who are affected by the war. Their projects include recordings of The Resurrectional Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom by Fr. John Sembrat (2015) and Christ is Born: Hymns and Carols of the Nativity (2019), produced alongside conductor Michael Zaugg. Axios has performed across Canada and the United States and recently commissioned Grammy-nominated composer Benedict Sheehan to compose Ukrainian War Requiem, a memorial honoring the countless victims of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.