Axios wins a JUNO
Photo credit: CARAS/ Vito Amati
The evening in Hamilton was filled with some of the finest musicians in the Canadian music scene. More than 1,200 people attended the JUNO Awards Gala on Saturday night, where over 40 awards were presented across a three-hour program.
Nine members of Axios travelled to Hamilton for the event, and we were all seated together for the plated three-course dinner, joined by three of our wives.
Nine members of Axios travelled to Hamilton for the event, and we were all seated together for the plated three-course dinner, joined by three of our wives.
Our category, Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble), was announced well into the evening, about three-quarters of the way through the program. By then, dessert and coffee had long been served, and after nearly two and a half hours of waiting, with some delays like any Ukrainian event, the moment had finally arrived. We noticed a camera crew had discreetly positioned itself behind the Axios table, and we wondered if it might be a good omen.
Julie Nesrallah of CBC Tempo began reading the nominees. As she spoke, the room grew still. We held our breath. Then she said, in French, “And the JUNO goes to… Axios Men’s Ensemble, The Tenors and Basses of Pro Coro Canada, conducted by Michael Zaugg, featuring John Tessier and Yuliia Zasimova.”
The next hour was a blur. We made our way to the stage, where Axios President Damein Zakordonski, reminded everyone why this music exists: as a prayer for the countless Ukrainian lives lost in Russia’s full-scale invasion.
We had tears in our eyes. We were hugging each other, in total disbelief that this grassroots, community-funded organization from Edmonton could win this award. This project received no government funding and was entirely supported by generous Ukrainian-Canadian community organizations and countless individual donors - to whom we are forever grateful.
Backstage, we were surrounded by artists, media, and fellow winners. Pop-rock stars The Beaches had just won a JUNO as well, and we snapped a group selfie together.
Backstage, we were surrounded by artists, media, and fellow winners. Pop-rock stars The Beaches had just won a JUNO as well, and we snapped a group selfie together.stand out
From there, we were brought into the press room, where Axios-founder Boris Derow answered questions from journalists from across the country.
After the press, came photos at the Winners Wall.
Even then, it was hard to take it all in. We were still floating between disbelief and gratitude. We’re honoured by the recognition. We’re moved that the message of this music has been heard. And we’re deeply thankful to have created it together with so many good friends who, through the process, had become brothers.
This is for Ukraine and all Ukrainians fighting for freedom and a just peace.
Слава Україні
WATCH: The moment when the JUNO Award was announced on CBC Gem
880 CHED Interview
Listen to Axios member Steven Brese speak with Stacey Brotzel about winning their JUNO Award in Hamilton.
CBC Interview
Listen to Axios President Damein Zakordonski chat with Tara McCarthy about what it feels like to win a JUNO.
Edmonton Journal
Read the interview that conductor Michael Zaugg gave following the JUNO Awards about why this music had to exist and why it matters.
St. Albert Gazette
Read the interview given by Axios singer John Eshenko on how it felt receiving the JUNO at the awards ceremony in Hamilton.
STAY TUNED: We’ll be touring Ukrainian War Requiem in November with performances in Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Montreal and Toronto.
