‘Surreal experience’: Edmonton choir first to win Juno outside of Ontario and Quebec

The Axios Men's Ensemble and the Tenors and Basses of Pro Coro Canada won the classical album of the year at the Junos.

The Axios choir in Edmonton didn’t think it was possible to win a Juno award for their work.

But on March 29, their name was called at TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ont., for the winner of Classical Album of the Year (large ensemble) for their recording of Benedict Sheehan’s Ukrainian War Requiem.

“We didn’t think that would ever happen,” said tenor Tim Sousa. “I think it’s a testament to the project that we’ve done with this specific album and what it means and what it’s drawing attention to.

“It’s a huge honour and we feel a responsibility that it is now our job to take this and keep moving forward.”

Sousa and the Axios ensemble rehearsed weekly for six months in preparation to record the album.

There are about 30 members in the choir – all men – which is a first for the Juno Awards.

The Axios win is also the first time a choir outside of Ontario or Quebec to do so and the first time an a cappella album has won a Juno Award.

“It’s a surreal experience.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton