The Nature of Us

The Nature of Us is an immersive choral sound installation conceived by Kevin Jesuino, Jean-Louis Bleau, and Cassette Bessette. Originally created in collaboration with TRAction, ARTIO Choir, and the Mount Royal University Choral Association, this project explores the profound interdependence between humanity and the natural world.

The heart of the project is a living score designed to be adapted by choral ensembles across diverse regional ecosystems. Each performance is unique, as singers incorporate local nuances, personal stories and environmental reflections into the piece. The composition weaves together layered soundscapes and ambient textures, personal monologue and indigenous and choral music traditions to explore the interrelated connection between humans and nature.

The final experience is delivered as a 30-minute, six-channel audio installation situated within a public green space. By blending pre-recorded vocal harmonies with the immediate, live sounds of the environment—such as birdsong, rustling leaves, and the wind—the installation creates an immediate and immersive dialogue between the human audio recordings and the landscape.

​Created by Kevin Jesuino, Cass Bessette, Jean Louis Bleau

Prairie Choral Performers: Grayson Mannella, Maddie Aldridge, Ben van Dierendonck, Astrid Janzen, Josh Bedard, Liz Gieselmann, Alex Chumley, Justine Cherry-Delisle, Quinn Smith, Rayne Roussell, Paula Midori Niecker.
Featuring drummer/vocalist Chantal Changnon.

April 2018, Equinox Vigil (Calgary, AB)

May 2019, Mount Royal Choral Association (Calgary,AB)

June 2024, NewWorks Calgary (Calgary, AB)

July 2024, Found Festival (Edmonton, AB)