Vankleek Hill’s own community choir was part of a two-concert choir exchange which began last weekend in Ottawa and concludes this Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at Knox Presbyterian Church in Vankleek Hill. ACQUIRE members from Vankleek Hill joined the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers (GJS) , a community choir based in the west end of Ottawa. Ensembles from ACQUIRE and the GJS came together to perform an engaging and dynamic repertoire, for a sold-out audience! And the 150-plus singers are hoping for a sold-out concert in Vankleek Hill, too!
The programme was built around a theme of inclusiveness, anti-bullying, and community. Together, the choirs explored this theme through a wide variety of repertoire. Several Canadian compositions were on the programme, including the Oscar Peterson favourite, Hymn to Freedom , and a new composition from our western Francophone community, J’appartiens. The programme was rounded out with some great pops and Broadway standards, such as True Colors, Feed the Birds, Lean on Me, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and ‘Til There Was You.
Many different types of vocal ensembles were featured: ensembles for adults, teens, and children. When all came together for the massed choirs pieces, Hymn to Freedom and Africa, there were more than 150 singers “belting it out!”
Directors Linda Crawford and Rosemary Harden had great fun working on this project together. Many weeks of planning and rehearsal paid off, and it was wonderful to see and hear those singers together, and to experience the positive energy of the group.
The same programme will be presented this Saturday, May 12, at 2 p.m., at Knox Presbyterian Church, Vankleek Hill. The Acquire Handbell Choir will also perform. Admission is free, although a suggested donation of $10 would be appreciated, in support of these local choirs.
The two choral families are looking forward to making music together again, and they hope that you will join them for a great afternoon of singing!
