Topic line: Choral music
Heading:The Charlottetown Legion Choir is teaming up with the Teachers and Friends in Harmony Choir to perform a Dylan Thomas Christmas concert.
Performances are at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Charlottetown, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m., and Our Lady of Assumption Church, Stratford, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 cash in advance from choir members or $12 at the door ($8 for veterans and spouses). There will be plenty of free parking and wheelchair accessibility at both locations. As is the Charlottetown Legion Choir’s normal practice, an array of food will be provided at the end of the concert.
Evoking memories of an old-fashioned Christmas, familiar songs such as “Here We Come a-Caroling”, The Huron Carol” and many others will be woven together by the words of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas. An audience sing-along of time-honoured carols will be included, and he concert will close with the re-enactment of a historic Christmas Eve song, “Silent Night”, as sung from the trenches of the First World War. The power and subtlety of over 60 choristers’ voices will be joined by string quartet and soprano saxophone.
The Charlottetown Legion Choir is the oldest Legion-affiliated ensemble in Canada with a 55-year history. Founded as an all-male chorus in 1963, women were invited to join in 1973. Today the mixed chorus performs a varied repertoire of folk and show tunes plus sacred and traditional music in three- and four-part harmony. Conductor Travis Boudreau, pianist Jaqueline Sorensen-Young and the group’s 30-plus singers are noted for impressing audiences with the quality, range and depth of their music. Participants now come from all sectors of the community while continuing the choir’s history of affiliation with the Charlottetown Legion, notably performing at Remembrance Day celebrations. Featured events for the choir are its annual Christmas and spring concerts. Rehearsals are weekly at Stone Park Intermediate School between September and May.
The Teachers and Friends in Harmony choir has existed since 1998. While initially comprised of teachers, the choir now is open to anyone who loves to sing. Practices are held weekly at Spring Park School. Boudreau, a graduate of the UPEI school of music, recently assumed directorship of this choir. It welcomes new voices, including those with limited singing or musical experience.
Concerts
Dec. 8
A Dylan Thomas Christmas Concert, Dr.Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, Ch’town, Saturday,7:30 pm. Doors open at 7. Free parking. Tickets:$12 at the door, $10 in advance from choir members ($8 for veterans and spouses).
Dec. 11
A Dylan Thomas Christmas Concert, Our Lady of Assumption Church, Stratford, Tuesday, 7:30 pm. Doors open at 7. Tickets:$12 at the door, $10 in advance from choir members ($8 for veterans and spouses).