The Basilica – Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Ottawa will host the Ontario premiere of Missa Tekakwitha, The Seven Rocks of Grandfather’s Prophecies, a powerful new work by renowned Indigenous composer Andrew Balfour. Written in honor of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, North America’s first Indigenous saint, this deeply moving mass takes on special significance in the Basilica – Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which also houses her relics.

Performed by two exceptional ensembles, the Montreal Early Music Studio and the Choir of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, the program blends ancient and contemporary sacred music in a striking dialogue across the centuries. In addition to traditional Catholic works, the concert features pieces where familiar Latin texts are reimagined through Indigenous languages, offering a profound reflection on sacred traditions and their enduring relevance.

Set within one of Canada’s most iconic sacred spaces, this concert invites audiences from all walks of life to reflect, listen, and connect with history, reconciliation, and the transformative power of choral music.

Whether you are drawn to new music, Indigenous voices, or the timeless resonance of sacred chants, this is an evening not to be missed.