Perhaps not everyone of the “Cheam Vista Classical Concerts” had anticipated this, a very special kind of musical revelation, which was offered to the attendees of the Society’s third event of the season on the evening of Apr. 26.
British Columbia is blessed by an abundance of wonderful choral groups and by its splendid choral tradition. Our listeners, from the start, were captivated by the mesmerizing sounds of a harmonious 20-member “chamber” choir, the Elmer Iseler Singers, directed by their profound leader, maestro Lydia Adams. The professionalism of the conductor and each member of the group was integrated into a kind of “ensemble” in which all, and everyone’s, unique timbres were added to the fullness of the choir’s magnificent tonal colours and expressions.
The whole “composition” of the program was structured in such a way, as though it had been preparing the audience for participation in the glorious jubilation of our country’s anniversary. It started with some tastefully arranged traditional “spiritual,” hymns and exquisitely composed pieces of ornately mystical and philosophical qualities. The choral sounds gradually tuned listeners into the solemn mood of total celebration which continued and developed into its apotheosis with the all-Canadian set of songs in the second half of the concert.
It can be easily said that the whole evening went “on one breath” so to speak, and, surely, all listeners were ready to stay in the hall to ask the Elmer Iseler Singers for numerous encores.