LEAH HOKANSON
Leah Hokanson is a lifelong adventurer in music and sound—as a composer, community choir leader, pianist, improviser, singer-songwriter, and certified sound healing practitioner. Leah is co-founder of Sound, Belonging & Wholeness (SoundBelongingWholeness.com), offering programs that explore vocal sounding and intentional listening as portals to Presence, healing and transformation. She also directs the Song Keepers Women’s Choir (Gabriola Island), is Music Director at the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, and leads Contemporary Ecstatic Chanting sessions at Bethlehem Centre (Nanaimo).
Leah holds a master’s degree in piano performance, and has served in music ministry for churches and spiritual organizations for 40 years. She has also composed and recorded two volumes of “Diamond Chants” (with a third on the way), blending the simplicity of the chant form, the wisdom and inspiration of ecstatic poetry, and the eclectic groove and tunefulness of popular music. Lyrics are drawn from original texts, as well as wisdom teachings from Rumi, Hildegard of Bingen, Hafiz, Julian of Norwich and others. She has also written, produced, and performed two albums of original songs: Facets (2018) and Portals (2021). Her recordings can be found at
Begin With the Heart
by Leah Hokanson
Three parts, in any combination SSA, TBB or mixed – CP 2273 – duration 2:45
Begin with the Heart is a gospel setting of 14th century Christian theologian and mystic Julian of Norwich’s wise words: “Where do we begin? Begin with the heart.” It is an invocation to reside fully in our heart centre, knowing that beginning with the heart will always lead us toward a more loving and compassionate world.
Begin with the Heart is part of a body of work called “Diamond Chants.” Playfully referred to as “ecstatic pop,” Diamond Chants blend the simplicity of the chant form, the wisdom and inspiration of ecstatic poetry, and the eclectic groove and tunefulness of popular music, including jazz, R&B, pop ballad, gospel, funk and world music. Diamond Chants are dedicated to my great grandmother, Sarah Diamant (Diamond).
Composers
Catalogue
Special Collections
Gordon Lightfoot
Songs for the Sanctuary
Vancouver Youth Choir Series
Canadian Chamber Choir Series
Elektra Women"s Choir Series
La Série Enchantée (French))
The Zimfira Collection (Children)
Profondo - (Lower Voices)
Universal Gospel Choir
Jean-Sébastien Vallée Series
Diane Loomer Choral Series (Folk Song)