2010 MUSIC REPORT

During 2010 we introduced some new hymns and rehearsed and performed some challenging works.  We have enjoyed musical offerings from Ferdinand Bredenholler, trumpet, and sang at Weatherby Pavilion on a couple of occasions.

As a choir, we attend services twelve months of the year and sing at memorial services.  We have been doing varied presentations of the psalms, with talented cantors and readers.  Several choir members also serve in multiple capacities during services.

In the fall we arranged and attended a very successful and informative workshop at the church led by Dr. Marvin Regier, a well-known vocal and choral coach, who made good use of the keyboard donated by Margaret El-Deiry.

This year, we happily welcomed Helen and John Lansdowne into the choir family, but they regrettably had to move back to Texas.  Very much missed is Valerie Kennedy, who served in many capacities, notably as a golden-voiced alto and choir stalwart, who has moved to Vancouver.

Many thanks to Lynne Francis who very generously gave of her time and talent to prepare a very moving performance of Stainer’s “The Crucifixion” on Good Friday, and a very successful Christmas concert entitled “Sing All Ye Citizens” featuring cogent commentary by our Rector, and wonderful solos by Jessie Redfern and by Sean Latimer who was also featured in the “The Crucifixion”. 

The generous donation by First United Church of their repository of Stainer’s “The Crucifixion” enabled us to make a stylistic quantum leap from Renaissance to Victorian. 

As always, our thanks and appreciation to Peter Cass for his sage advice, all of his work and support at the organ, behind the scenes with the Sunday School, and in numerous other capacities.  Much to our delight, Jocelyn and Peter Cass both joined the choir.

Our choir rehearses Thursdays 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church.  New members are most welcome, and we encourage participation during festive seasons for anyone unable to attend practices regularly.  Hymn suggestions and comments are always welcome.

[Until Holy Week, rehearsals will begin at 7 p.m.]

Respectfully submitted,
Ülo Valdma