CANORA, SASK.- This moment in my life is definitely a milestone and I want to share it with as many people as possible.
A few years ago I participated in recording Benedict Sheehan's Ukrainian War Requiem. We recorded it in Edmonton and performed it in the same said city as well as in Calgary.
Fast forward to 2026 and, well, I'll let my niece tell you the rest of the story. Please read Michelle Federowich's email about this great moment:
Good afternoon friends, family, and colleagues, I am writing today to share some extraordinary news:
It’s not every day that your Uncle and Godfather, Boris Derow (Gwen Fedorowich’s brother), wins a Juno Award, one of the highest honours in Canadian music! “Ukrainian War Requiem” was composed by Benedict Sheehan and won “Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble”. Boris founded the Axios Men’s Ensemble 20-plus years ago. Congratulations to the entire @axiosmensensemble, and @procorocanada, and for all of the nominees in this category!
They are currently preparing for a National Tour, with tour dates from Nov. 6-15 inclusive in the following cities: Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, and Toronto.
To learn more, please visit: axiosmensensemble.com/nationaltour.
The following information is from the website.
In 2022, the Axios Men's Ensemble commissioned Benedict Sheehan, a three-time Grammy Award nominee, to compose a memorial in response to Russia's aggression in Ukraine entitled Ukrainian War Requiem. This war, which began in 2014 and escalated with a full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, has tragically claimed countless lives. This music is a solemn tribute to these victims.
This year, the Axios Men's Ensemble was awarded Canada's highest musical honour – a JUNO Award for the Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) for the recording of the Ukrainian War Requiem. This marks the first time in JUNO Awards history that an a cappella recording has earned this distinction in the category.
Sheehan's composition, spanning 12 movements, draws inspiration primarily from the Byzantine burial service, a ritual shared by Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches. Reflecting Ukraine's diverse linguistic and religious landscape, the Requiem also weaves in elements from Jewish and Roman Catholic traditions. These varied texts serve multiple purposes: they offer solace and strength to the living, especially those grieving; they provide a space for praying for both victims and aggressors; and they ultimately aspire to convey hope, peace, and goodwill.
It is an expansive and sublime piece that skillfully blends modern musical styles with traditional Ukrainian motifs and ancient chants. This arrangement not only reflects the harsh realities of war but also echoes humanity's deep-seated longing for peace, goodness, truth, and beauty.
This Requiem is more than just music. It is a reverent homage to those affected by the war, a reminder of the enduring human spirit, and a heartfelt tribute to Ukraine and her people.
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