Come with us to the Choir “concert” my friends said and I am glad I followed their advice. Though there is little doubt that we will be treated to celebrations of all kinds during this year, including a spectacular one on Parliament Hill on July 1st, often it is the ones put on in smaller places that steal our hearts.
The choir concert I attended last Sunday was such an event. With songs such as North West Passage, Klee Wyck, Four Strong Winds and This Is My Home to the last strings of Hallelujah, it was a spellbinding performance by the Orpheus Male Choir and their guests the Kent Elementary School Intermediate Choir. The two choirs were brought together by Brenda DiRezze, the Kent Elementary School’s Music teacher since 1990. Their accompaniment was Sandra Bower with violinists Earle Davies and Diane Madeiros adding special touches.
And, with the Orpheus’ artistic director Liana Savard and their accompanist Barry Yamanouchi providing professional advise, the choir could not have asked for better coaching. The result was a very engaging concert, a fitting contribution to Canada’s national event. Personally, I also found it significant that the concert brought two choirs of very different ages together. It worked very well, and I am especially sure the young Canadians will never forget this experience.
This is what Canada is all about, to live together in harmony – be it in song or in life! And so, it was not only a very beautiful celebration, it was one we will not forget!