Welcome
to The Chorister Newsletter archives. Here's your chance to catch
up on choir news, concerts and events, "did you know" information, and
the lighter side of music. The newsletters are listed here in
reverse date order (the more read, the further in the past you will
travel). Enjoy!
For your convenience, we've created separate pages with the most popular sections of the newsletter. Visit Did You Know for fascinating facts and trivia and The Lighter Side of Music to read along and laugh.
The Chorister is the official bi-monthly newsletter of the Upper Canada Choristers Inc. to keep our supporters informed of events, upcoming performances, and general news about the choir. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, please call us at (416) 256-0510 or e-mail us at choir@web.net.
April 2005
Sharing our Voices!
The Choristers have shared a rather unique process in preparation for the May concert. We have shared divergent musical experiences and languages. Many have embraced this uniqueness with enthusiasm, some have been challenged to step beyond their comfort level but all have risen to the occasion ensuring that May 6th will be an exciting event. Don't miss this musical opportunity!
You will meet Kwasi Dunyo the master drummer from Africa who has led two workshops for us. Frederick Kwasi Dunyo was born in the Ewe village of Dagbamete, Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa. He has been drumming from the time he was a small boy, standing on blocks to reach the top of the drums. Since that time he has drummed, danced, taught and directed extensively in a variety of contexts both in Ghana and North America.
Kwasi was the lead drummer for Sankofa Dance Theatre from 1977 to 1981 where, under the tutelage of Godwin Agbeli, he learned much of his repertoire of Ghanaian music. In 1992, Kwasi Dunyo was the recipient of a Visiting Foreign Artist grant from the Canadian government which provided the basis for his first trip to North America. Fred's open and generous teaching style, and his love of the music has earned him many praises.
Since 1993, he has returned each year as a faculty member at the University of Virginia for lectures in the "African Music Performance" course. He has also performed and given workshops at many Canadian and American universities including the University of Toronto, University of Saskatchewan, Guelph University, University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario, McMaster University, Brock University, Memorial University, Tennessee Technological University, and William and Mary University.
Kwasi has taught in public schools in Ontario and Virginia, he took part in a Sound Symposium in St. John's Newfoundland in July 1992, and performed at Toronto's First Night in 1996 and 1997. Fred is now a member of the Society of Ethnomusicology of North America.
Since 1998, Kwasi has been a faculty member of University of Toronto Faculty of Music's World Music Programme. In 2003 he joined the African Music Programme at York University and the Ghanaian Music Programme at the Royal Conservatory of Music as a faculty member.
For more info see www.dunyo.com.
Other Concert Guest Artists
Eddy Robinson established MorningStar River in Toronto five years ago. This group believes in their culture dearly and tries to live that life to the fullest of their potential.
Northern style, more popularly referred to as Oldstyle, has been the preferred singing form of the group. Getting back to the heart of singing is their aspiration. Over the years the members of MorningStar River became a part of the Pow Wow community at large, singing with various groups and traveling throughout North America.
Eddy Robinson shares his thoughts of singing "I have learned a lot singing with different drum groups, that's where I draw my experience from. I feel a part of a community no one really sees, a singing community. I have friends I look forward to visiting with at Pow Wows. It's such a natural high sitting with a bunch of close friends and having a good jam session. Singing has taken me places I have would have not gone otherwise; it introduced me to my cultural and I will have that for a lifetime."
For sound clips and other information see www.firewaterr.com/msr.
We are also very pleased that the Chamber Choir from Davisville Public School/Metro Toronto School for the Deaf under the direction of Alison Bannerman will be joining us again.
Community Concerts
 | Davisville/MTSD on February 21 |
| Westbury on April 30 |
| MOMJI on May 1 |
| New Horizons on TBA |
| Ewart-Angus on May 9 |
| Castleview-Wychwood on May 11 |
| Meighen Residence on May 19 |
Did You Know?
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is the largest metropolitan area in Canada and the fifth largest in North America, after Mexico City, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Toronto's population is 5,493,086 (2004).
The GTA is one of North America's fastest-growing regions. Since one-third of immigrants to Canada typically settle in Toronto, this rate of change was accelerated here. The first to come were large numbers of Europeans - particularly from Italy, Portugal, Greece, Poland, and Hungary. In 1971, the country officially adopted the policy of Multiculturalism, which gives residents the option to define the degree of cultural affinity they wish to maintain, and does not promote the melting pot model of assimilation. Between 1971 and 1996 the population of the GTA grew by 61 percent, and the proportion of residents claiming origin from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean grew from four percent to 26 percent - and it is higher today. Approximately 38 percent of Torontonians are actually foreign born, and approximately half would be considered visible minorities. Immigrants to Canada have always by definition brought cultural diversity with them, and their offspring have always integrated rapidly into the mainstream.
Today, Toronto is considered to be one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the world. So, how does it work? While groups of immigrants will often initially settle in the same area, these are not exclusive enclaves. Most neighbourhoods are decidedly mixed; their inhabitants determined more by economics than race or language. We live together!
March
2005
Spreading the Joy of Music in the Community!
Spring is just starting to peek through and already the Upper Canada Choristers have preformed the first concert of 2005! On February 21st, as guests of the Davisville Public School, we sang part of the diverse repertoire we have been busy working on since January. With work to rule potentially being an issue, Davisville's music teacher Alison Bannerman wanted to insure that both choirs had this wonderfully opportunity to work together.
Looking back at a season which is so busy for most, we are thrilled to realize we performed a record number of community concerts during December. We thought we would share some highlights of our experiences from these concerts given last season - a sort of tour!
Castleview-Wychwood
This is the largest seniors' facility in Canada. One of the great joys about performing here is seeing the residents get up and dance as we sing. Because we have been coming here for many years, we have gotten to know some people, like Rose, quite well. Rose, who always shows us pictures of her grandchildren, asks us to read her the cards she's received from her daughter as she no longer has the ability to read.
MOMJI
This is a busy, vibrant Japanese community center for seniors that has a lot of good quality entertainment. Some residents have said that they look forward to our visits and always make note of the dates when we perform so they can be sure not to miss them. One woman said she chose to cancel her weekly card came to come hear us!
New Horizons
This Baptist seniors' residence was a new venue for us last season. The mother of one of our choristers had recently moved here and we were pleased to be able to add it to our schedule. One resident told us: "You have brought us not only the sounds of Christmas, but also the spirit of Christmas." Another said that in the eight years he had lived at New Horizons, ours was by far the best quality performance he had heard.
Meighen Residence
A packed auditorium awaited us at this Salvation Army seniors' residence. Everyone was also in great voice and sang with vigour during the sing-along portion of our programme. Some choristers went from floor to floor to visit with those residents that could not make it to the concert. What was most moving was singing on the locked dementia floor. Some non-verbal residents actually started to sing along with us. The theory is that tunes and words to songs stay present longer than other thought processes.
Ewart-Angus
We love visiting and singing at this residence for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's. They sing with us, talk to us during the concert and after, clap along to the music and then share wonderful treats they have baked for us. One woman named Mary was very insistent we come back right away. We told her it would take a few months to prepare a new program and we had other places to visit as well. She said to forget the other places and come back to Ewart Angus as soon as possible.
Westbury
A brand new chronic care facility on the West Mall asked us to share in their very first Holiday experience. We were contacted by a staff member who asked if we would please come and share our music with their residents. She said it literally would be their Christmas. At the end of our concert, one of the residents, a woman in her 90's, was so moved by our performance she asked to come up and sing for us. Her song was wonderfully clear and every word was heard from the heart. It gave back to us tenfold!
Corbrook Community
We were invited to participate in Corbrook' s Christmas Party. Part of the Corbrook mandate is a community outreach program for adults with multiple disabilities. On a snowy day in December, just two days before Christmas, a group of choristers traveled from various parts of the city to the Travelodge Hotel at Weston Road and the 401. It had been announced on radio and television that morning that Wheel-Trans has been cancelled, so we were unsure of what to expect when we arrived. What we found was astounding. A room full of wonderful individuals ready to celebrate. A woman came forward to sign our program for the hearing impaired. Each person found their own way to communicate with us how they felt about our coming to celebrate with them. Even Santa made it in the snow!
Did You Know?
The Salvation Army has had a tremendous tradition of music in Canada since 1883. "The Salvationists' practice of setting heavenly words to 'worldly' tunes gave their music a popular appeal which drew large crowds and converts."* Jack Addie, who left England to settle in Ontario, reportedly wrote more than 100 such songs. With this music tradition and the wonderful community work they do, we are proud to have their Toronto Community Church as one of our community partners.
If you would like to become a community partner and get involved in this rewarding community outreach, contact us today. There are many ways to get involved and insure this good work continues for years to come.
* Canadian Encyclopedia of Music
November
2004
Join us to Ring in the Holiday Season!
The Upper Canada Choristers invite you to join us on Friday, December 3 for our holiday concert - Ding Dong Merrily on High! We are delighted to be joined for this festive concert by The Brass Ringers of the St John's York Mills Handbell Choir. The ringers may be persuaded to let the children in the audience have a chance to play the bells!!
History of The Handbell Ringers of St. John's York Mills
Handbells were donated to St. John's 27 years ago and have been ringing ever since. St. John's has three handbell choirs: the O'Neil Ringers are youth in grades 6-8, the Brass Ringers are teenagers in grades 9 up and the Ingram Ringers are a dedicated group of adults. The choir plays in churches, senior's homes, hospitals concert halls and for corporate events. In October 2000 they were chosen to make a TV commercial for Swiss Chalet's Festive Season Special. It aired nationally for six weeks over the 2000, 2001 and 2002 holiday seasons. Over the years the handbell ringers have appeared on Global Television, CITY TV, CFTO and Roger's Cable. Brass Ringers appeared on CITY TV's Breakfast Television and Ingram Ringers were on CTV's Canada AM in Dec. 2003.
In 2002 St. John's professionally recorded their first Handbell CD, 'Ring in Christmas' with 24 seasonal selections. CDS will be for sale at intermission and following the concert for $15 (tax included) - a wonderful, unique gift for Christmas giving. Proceeds help support the Handbell Program. You can also visit their web site www.stjohnsyorkmills.com/bells.htm to hear sound clips or to make a purchase.
The handbell choirs take part in festivals organized by the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers every two years. The last one was at the University of Western Ontario in London, May 2003. Carolyn Martin, St. John's Handbell Director, was honoured to be the Coppers (intermediate division) Director. The next one is in Ottawa, May 2005. St. John's Ringers have traveled to Michigan, Indiana, Maine, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming and New York over the years for festivals sponsored by the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. In August 2004, nine Ingram Ringers took part in the 11th International Handbell Symposium in Toronto. This Symposium rotates between Korea, Japan, United States, Australia, Great Britain and Canada every two years. In May 2004, the Brass Ringers went to New York City to play at St. Paul's Chapel, Ground Zero. It was the choir's musical offering to those who perished Sept. 11, 2001 and to their families.
Carolyn Martin began directing handbells at St. John's York Mills Anglican Church, Toronto, in 1990. Her music ministry currently involves over 35 ringers in youth, teen and adult choirs. Worship services and the annual Musicfest (Handbell and Choir concert) attracting over 600 people keep the bells busy. Carolyn enjoys the outreach component of handbell ringing, from the intimate setting of a nursing home or hospital to large corporate venues, concert halls and television.
Carolyn performed in a community theatre group and concert choir and has led music workshops in Toronto schools. She is a retired schoolteacher with a passion for music and a love of young people. She is delighted that directing handbell choirs allows her to combine the two through a unique musical medium. She was thrilled to direct the massed handbell choirs at the Cavalcade of Lights First Lighting Ceremony in Nathan Phillips Square Toronto, November 29, 2003.
Accompanist, Nicole Belamy
Nicole received her M.Mus. degree in Performance (Accompanying and Chamber Music) from the University of Western Ontario, studying with Dr. John Hess, and received her B.Mus. degree from the University of Prince Edward Island. She has twice attended the Mount Orford Centre of the Arts to study solo piano and has studied vocal accompaniment with Michael McMahon at Opera Nuova in Edmonton, with Iain Burnside at the Banff Centre of the Arts, and with Andrew Campbell at the Brevard Music Centre in North Carolina. She has also been awarded grants from both the Prince Edward Island Council of the Arts and the Canada Council of the Arts to pursue her studies in vocal accompaniment. Nicole works as a freelance collaborative pianist in Toronto working with various soloists and ensembles, as well as with students in the vocal studios at the Royal Conservatory of Music, York University, and the University of Toronto.
Did You Know?
The handbells you will hear at the concert were cast in a foundry in Pennsylvania. The castings are made of bronze, approximately 80% copper and 20% tin. The molten metal is heated to 2000 degrees before being poured into sand moulds. The bells are tuned and machine polished to a jeweller's finish. To put a value on the instrument you will see before you; the smallest bells are $138 US; the largest one we have is a C3, which would cost $819 US to replace. A beginning set of two octaves (25 bells) costs $4,460 and a five-octave set (61 bells) such as we will be ringing, would cost $16,830 US today.
The greatest investment, however, is the time and talent of the people who ring them.
October
2004
A Night to Remember
What a night May 10th was!! After years of planning, much hard work and an abundance of enthusiasm, the Upper Canada Choristers' 10th Anniversary concert was a smash for everyone - audience and chorister alike!
One of the many highlights of the concert was the world premiere of Voices of Earth by Stephen Chatman which was recently accepted for publication by ECS, Boston. It was a real thrill to work with Steve and see the final product evolve before our eyes. In his own words the whole evening was "a most memorable experience, a great concert, and a truly outstanding world premiere performance."
Liz Gomes, an American Sign Language interpreter, signed part of the program including "Voices". Her marvelous expressive interpretation added a special dimension to the performance.
Another highlight was the opportunity for the choir to sing Fauré's Requiem with the Talisker Players, a professional orchestra which specializes in choral repertoire. It was a real treat to work with Mark Ruhnke, our baritone soloist, again and a great joy to be able to share this experience with Alison Bannerman and the Davisville Public School/M.T.S.D. Chamber Choir. Listening to the children sing the Pie Jesu with the orchestra was truly moving.
We got some feedback from a number of Davisville parents"
"For the children to sing such transcendent music in the company of such passionate amateur and professional singers and musicians -well it is plain thrilling!"
"…while at my house the kids asked me to put the CD of Fauré's Requiem on so they could sing along - I love it!"
"the phone's been ringing off the hook telling of the great performance… if I hadn't seen and heard it I would have never believed that Eric had successfully participated in a performance of the Requiem with orchestra .. Keep up the good work"
With Help from Friends
We are very grateful for the support of The Toronto Arts Council, RBC Financial Group, Margaret and Jim Fleck, Discoverability Inc., and everyone who donated to the Robert and Karen Vanderzweerde 25th Anniversary Fund. Our thanks go as well to all those who placed an ad in our program: Balance Health Centre, The Butcher Block, Clarica, Clear Language and Design, DiscoverAbility Inc., Laurie Evan Fraser, Investors Group, JB Printing, Mills & Mills, The Mills Team, Quiznos Sub, Second Cup, Stacey Grieve Therapeutics, St. John's Music, Studiom Digital Productions, and Zizi Trattoria.
Finally, a big thank you to all of the following whose donations qualify them as special Friends of the Choir: Marco Anglesio, Jacqui Atkin, Kathryn Cook, May Doyle, Celeste Erendrea, Dr. Barbara Everett, Jeff Green, Diana Hamer, Jane Hamilton, Connie Hems, Claudia Hernández, Valerie Jacobs, Mr. Nobuo Kimura, Nahoko Komatsu, William Logan, Jennifer Lyn, Sally McBeth, Jannie Mills, Paul Mills, Liane Murphy, Ayako Ochi, Heidi Pattenden, Pat Reed Wright, Mary Richardson, Caitlin Smith, Donna Starr, Linda Taylor, Danielle Tisserand, Claire Villafana, Ligia Villegas, and Heather Young.
We were so fortunate to have James Bourne as our piano accompanist for the May concert. With his support and on the basis of his recommendation, we have been able to secure a very talented accompanist to work with us on a regular basis - a first for The Upper Canada Choristers! Nicole Belamy has just arrived in Toronto from Prince Edward Island. We did not even give her a chance to unpack and she is already a valued member of our team. You will be hearing more about her in our next newsletter.
We could not have even considered hiring an accompanist without the support of our sponsors. Not only did their financial help ensure that the concert was everything we had hoped for but it also has allowed us to take this major step forward in our development as a choir. We look forward to all we will be able learn with Nicole at the piano every week.
Did You Know?
There are hundreds of community choirs in Ontario. The Upper Canada Choristers feel we are unique. Written right into our mission is our desire to bring the excitement of choral music especially to those who have less access to live performance. Just recently our Director got a call from a chronic long-term care facility who had been searching the web for someone to bring some music to them. We have arranged a time to go and she said she was extremely grateful stating "This will be Christmas for our residents!"
We strive for excellence. Many other choirs have audition policies to help achieve this excellence. We are trying to live our mission of bringing music to everyone's lives. It may take longer to achieve, but we have come so far and are steadily growing musically and increasing community awareness. Our outreach is ever expanding and our capabilities are limitless. Providing of course that we get the community involvement we need.
Ways of getting involved include: adding your voice to our choir or our concert, volunteering time or specific organizational skills, arranging community concert venues and/or financial support. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please contact us.
Hope to see you December 3rd!
April
2004
May 14, 2004 is Rapidly Approaching
Don't miss the Upper Canada Choristers' 10th Anniversary Concert. All of the final preparations are proceeding well, and you are in for a real treat. Reserve you tickets soon as they are going quickly.
The Choristers and the Community - A Win-Win Partnership
The Upper Canada Choristers was started, in 1994, to provide a place for people, with a passion for singing in their hearts, to share their music with others. The choir in itself is a community where each person helps the other to grow which is rewarding but it is through the interaction with other facets of the community that we are truly enriched. We have shared our music with thousands in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, seniors' residences, churches and other community venues. These venues include:
Schools
| Davisville Public School / MTSD |
| ICS - Institute of Child Studies |
| Palmerston Avenue Public School |
Nursing Homes & Seniors' Residences
| Belmont House |
| Castleview-Wychwood Towers |
| Ewart Angus Homes Inc. |
| Laughlen Centre |
| Maynard Nursing Home |
| MOMIJI |
| Wexford House |
Churches
| First Unitarian Church of Hamilton |
| Holy Name Catholic Church |
| Church of the Annunciation |
| The Beaches Neighbourhood Church |
| Unitarian Congregation of South Peel |
| Willowdale Unitarian Fellowship |
Hospitals
| Etobicoke General Hospital | ||||||
| Hospital for Sick Children | ||||||
| Sunnybrook Hospital
|
Others
| Holiday Inn, Cambridge |
| Odd Fellows and Rebeccas |
| Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on- the-Lake |
It is so wonderful to talk to the audience after our concerts. The warmth and appreciation that they express makes everything worthwhile. We have received many letters that have reiterated the sentiments that we hear after the community concerts.
"I remember my mother singing me those songs from her girlhood at the beginning of the century. Great variety - thoroughly enjoyable."
"I love the planning and diverse types of entertainment which are a part of all your concerts."
"May the joy that you have brought to us come back to you tenfold."
These are just a few of the comments we have received.
Every year our community contacts increase. This year we have already shared our music with Wexford Place, MOMIJI, Hamilton Unitarian Church, Castleview-Wychwood and Davisville Public School.
After the May 14th concert we will return to Ewart Angus, Sunnybrook Hospital and the Meighen Residence (a new venue for us!)
Sharing music whether as a singer or listener creates a bond that enriches us all. Definitely a WIN-WIN!
New Corporate Sponsor
The
Choir has been fortunate in the past to receive some financial help from the
business community. This year we would like to thank RBC for their generous
support of the Upper Canada Choristers.
Did You Know?
The
words of Amazing Grace were written by John Newton (1725-1807). Captain
of a vessel that carried slaves from Africa to the United States, he wrote the
text as a prayer after a harrowing storm at sea, when it seemed all lives
would be lost. He promised God that if he survived, he would change his life
to one of service and end his involvement in the slaving trade.
When the ship came safely through the storm, John Newton returned his cargo of people to their home in Africa. Once back in the United States, he gave up his life as a Captain and became a Minister passionately opposed to slavery.
March
2004
How Do You Commission a Piece of Music?
When a choir is formed there are many details to think about …where can we rehearse? What would be a good name for our choir and what kind of music will we sing? Who will be our director? All these questions and many more….Luckily for us, one of the founders of Upper Canada Choristers was an excellent musician who had great insight into what was needed to make the choir a success.
Even as all these initial details were falling into place new questions and grander hopes and dreams sprang to mind. Would the choir grow? Would audiences come to hear us and sing with us? Would we be able to realize our dream of being music educators as well as performers? Would the choir's caliber entice other musical groups to join us in making music together? After several fun-filled and musically successful years, these questions were answered and our early hopes fulfilled… But then we developed new hopes and dreams. Could we sing with an orchestra? Could we eventually hire an accompanist? Could we make a lasting contribution to the Canadian choral community?
As our 10th Anniversary concert draws near, we are able to answer with a resounding yes! Given determination and adequate resources everything is possible. Two choristers celebrating a significant wedding anniversary asked their friends to make a donation to the choir in lieu of gifts. Thus started the Karen and Robert Vanderzweerde 25th Anniversary Fund - a fund to "acquire something of lasting value for the choir".
It was this generous decision that has led to the commissioning of the beautiful choral piece that will be premiered on May 14th. Additional resources were needed to fulfill the dream - not only an original choral piece, but an orchestra, an accompanist …..After a lot of hard work and pencil sharpening, a successful grant application was submitted to the Toronto Arts Council and we were off and running.
Choir members began to do research, looking an appropriate written work that met two criteria. One that it be in the public domain and two that it be by a Canadian. Archibald Lampman's words fit the bill perfectly. They were almost musical already.
Meanwhile our director, Laurie Evan Fraser had met Canadian composer Stephen Chatman at a Conductor's Conference. She told him about our choir and of our dreams for a commissioned work and soon the partnership was formed. 100 year old Canadian poems would soon be brought to life through the beauty of brand new Canadian music.
A few weeks ago, after months of eager anticipation, the three movements of Voices of Earth arrived by mail. In a few short weeks Stephen Chatman will fly in from Vancouver to join us for one final rehearsal and then for the world premier.
We could not be more thrilled. Voices of Earth is a joy to learn and to sing. The haunting melodies stay with all of us during the week.
How You Can Be Part of Dreams Coming True
We are well on our way to realizing our 10th Anniversary dreams - a commissioned work and a gala performance with orchestra and accompanist.
But we are not there yet and we could use your help. First and foremost - buy a ticket and come enjoy the fabulous concert we are preparing for you.
Secondly, you may purchase a business ad or extend best wishes and congratulations to the choir and our founders Jacqui Atkin and Laurie Evan Fraser in our concert program - $50 for a business card size, $75 for ½ page; or $100 for a full page. If you are interested in this opportunity, please call the choir line before April 9th.
Finally, you can make a tax receiptable donation by becoming a Sponsor ($500), a Patron ($250) or a Friend ($25). Any level of gift will be most gratefully received and acknowledged. With your support not only will this 10th Anniversary concert be a success, but Upper Canada Choristers will be well launched into a second decade of joyful music making.
Join us on May 14th. From the quiet stillness of a snowy day to the cascading waterfall, voices of earth are for us all to enjoy.
Did You Know?
Archibald Lampman was born in 1861 in Morpeth, Ontario, a village near Chatham and Ridgetown but he received his education at the Collegiate Institute in Cobourg, Trinity College School in Port Hope, and Trinity College (now University of Toronto), where he edited the college newspaper and graduated in Classics in 1882. After a short time teaching high school in Orangeville, Lampman took a position as a low-paid clerk in the Langevin Block of the Canadian Post Office in the nation's capital at Ottawa, where he stayed for the rest of his life. He married Maud Playter in 1887 and they had two children. However, Lampman grew to love Kate Waddell in 1889, a romance that lasted until his death in 1899. One of the so-called "Confederation Group" of poets (with Duncan Campbell Scott and William Wilfred Campbell), Lampman was influenced by his friends Bliss Carmen and Charles G. D. Roberts. Lampman published two important volumes of poems in his lifetime: Among the Millet and Other Poems (Ottawa: Durie, 1888 and Lyrics of Earth (Boston: Copeland and Day, 1895). Lampman is widely regarded as Canada's greatest poet of the nineteenth century. His manuscripts can largely be found at Queen's University in Kingston.
February
2004
A Decade of Singing!
What a difference ten years make! January 3, 1994 a small but enthusiastic group of people gathered in the chapel of Upper Canada College to make music together. They consisted of semi-professionals along with some amateurs who had never sung before. The chapel echoed with The Ash Grove, The Music's Always There With You and Stephen Chatman's Songs of the Prospector. The first community concert was in May at the George Hees Atrium at Sunnybrook Hospital, and in June our first "Parlour" concert at Eglinton United Church was sold out - all 62 seats! Some of our original audience is still supporting us today. It was Stewart Frost, by the way, who arranged the rehearsal space and suggested that we call the new choir the Upper Canada Choristers.
Through the years we have shared a wide variety of music, in so many different venues for literally thousands of people. The common thread through all the years has been the love of singing and the desire to educate ourselves and our audiences while maintaining a friendly, nurturing environment for all.
It is interesting how the world works. We had our first fund-raising concert at Eglinton United Church, and on May 14, 2004 our 10th anniversary gala concert will be held at Eglinton - St. George's United Church. Some of the first pieces we worked on in 1994 were by Stephen Chatman, and in May our audience will hear the world premiere of a uniquely Canadian work by Stephen Chatman, commissioned by the Choristers. Some of the original choristers will be singing in that performance. The concert will also feature the Fauré requiem accompanied by the Talisker Players. Continuing in our mandated role as musical educators and mentors, we will be joined by the Davisville Public School Choir under the direction of Allison Bannerman.
Mark May 14, 2004 in your calendar now!
Don't miss The Upper Canada Choristers 10th Anniversary Concert program. See you there!
2004 is off and running!
It is only mid-February and the choir already has its first concert of 2004 under its belt. Wexford Place at Pharmacy and Lawrence, a seniors' residence, welcomed us on February 2nd. They participated in all the sing-a-long portions of the program but also sang out in the choir pieces, which is a good indication that they enjoyed themselves. One of the women proudly voiced the fact that they have a small choir called the "Wexford Warblers", but then confided to Laurie that some of the gentlemen in residence have nicknamed them the "Wexford Witches"; all in good fun we are sure!
More community events will be scheduled shortly and will be listed in the next newsletter so stay tuned!
CD Review
With so many wonderful choral recordings to choose from, we thought that we would review one each newsletter to see how they fare. Since we are reminiscing about the choir's past, let's take a look at Coro Anthem's first Christmas CD entitled Tracce. The Upper Canada Choristers sponsored this world class Italian choir on their premiere appearance in Toronto in 2001. During that visit Paola Versetti, Coro Anthem's director, was given a gift of the 100 Book of Carols. Three pieces from this book appear on their new CD. How's that for international influence! The CD is not yet available in Canada but you can order it by e-mailing info@coroanthem.it.
If you have a suggestion of a choral CD that should be reviewed, please email us at choir@web.net.
Did You Know?
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was a pupil of Saint-Saëns, who was perhaps the most knowledgeable musician of the 19th century. Fauré later said that he owed "everything" to his mentor. Saint-Saëns introduced him to Wagner and Liszt as well as Bach and Mozart, teaching him purity of style, devoid of romantic excesses. Fauré passed on this wisdom to his own students including Maurice Ravel and Nadia Boulanger who in turn taught and influenced many of the great composers of the 20th century.
Fauré's beautiful Requiem was written in 1887 and ranks among his most famous works. The Requiem conveys his own attitudes about death. He said in 1902, "That's how I see death: as a joyful deliverance, an aspiration towards a happiness beyond the grave, rather than as a painful experience."
You will hear this work as it was originally intended with a chamber orchestra at our May 14th concert.
December
2003
Concert Time is Fast Approaching!
Join us on December 12 at 7:30 p.m. for With a Touch of Brass!, in our wonderful new performance space at the Salvation Army North Toronto Community Church. We promise an evening sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
You'll sharing the in the singing of a lively Hebrew folksong and lots of favourite carols, uplifted by the brassy seasonal sounds of a French horn ensemble. The program also features lovely seasonal music in Spanish, German, and French.
Tickets are $15 at the door. You can reserve tickets at the $12 discount rate by phoning our Choir Line at (416) 256-0510. Leave a message with your name, phone number, and the number of tickets you need. Your tickets will be waiting at 7:00 p.m. on the evening of the concert in the vestibule.
Tickets for children 12 and under are $6. Take advantage of our "Bring a Teen" program and sign in your teenage for free admission at the special table set-up in the vestibule.
The Salvation Army is at 7 Eglinton Avenue East, just steps from the subway on the southeast side of Eglinton. There is general seating, with some of the best seats in the balcony. Seating is limited so call (416) 256-0510 to reserve!
Guest Artist Barbara Bloomer and the Toronto Horn Club
We're delighted to welcome our special guests, the Toronto Horn Club under the direction of Barbara Bloomer. Barbara is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she earned a bachelor's degree in music and a performer's certificate in French horn. In 1966, Barbara joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Barbara, who teaches French horn to junior and senior high school students, believes that ensemble playing is essential to making students truly fine horn players, capable of contributing to larger bands and orchestras. With this in mind, she organized the Toronto Horn Club, which last year won 1st place awards for both solo and ensemble work at the Kiwanis Music Festival. The club also recently performed at Roy Thompson Hall and the Heliconian Club.
Barbara Bloomer's professional students include members of the Toronto Symphony, Kitchener-Waterloo Orchestra, and Toronto Ballet and Opera Orchestras. In Europe, her pupils play in the Berlin Philharmonic, Stuttgart Philharmonic, Saarbruken City Opera, Bamberg Symphony, South-West German Radio Orchestra in Baden-Baden, and West German Radio Orchestra in Cologne.
UCC Awarded a Toronto Arts Council Grant
The Upper Canada Choristers are proud to announce that we have been awarded a program grant for our 10th anniversary concert, Voices of Earth, to be held May 14, 2004. The Toronto Arts Council's granting programs support and encourage professional Canadian musicians and create opportunities for music students to grow and hone their skills. In May, 2004, we'll be doing both!
Please Join Our Food Drive
For many years now, the Choristers have collected food donations at our concerts, and this year is no exception. If you can, please bring a non-perishable item for the Salvation Army food drive.
Holiday Concert Dates
| Sunday December 7: Unitarian Congregation of South Peel, 10:30 a.m. (service) |
| Wednesday December 10: Castleview-Wychwood Towers, 6:45 p.m. |
| Sunday December 14: Holy Name Church, 7:00 p.m. (fundraising concert) |
| Monday December 22: Ewart Angus, 7:00 p.m. |
Performance Dates in 2004
| Monday February 2: Wexford Nursing Home, 7:45 p.m. |
| Monday April 5: Concert with Davisville P.S. Choirs, Salvation Army, 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday May 14: Voices of Earth, 10th anniversary concert, Eglinton-St. George's United Church, 35 Lytton Boulevard |
Did You Know?
The hunting horn was an early ancestor of today's French horn. Carried over the shoulder, it was basically a large pipe coiled into a circle with a mouthpiece similar to a trumpet. It had a loud and brilliant tone. Toward the end of the 17th century, the instrument (having evolved somewhat) began to be used in the orchestra. The horn continued to develop, changing proportions and adding valves and crooks, but it was not until around 1750 that it became capable of making more mellow sounds we associate with the French horn. The horn has the reputation of being one of the most difficult orchestra instruments to play. Good tone production requires several special skills. One of these is called stopping, a technique for achieving a special tonal effect by inserting the hand into the bell of the horn.
October
2003
Get your December 12 concert tickets now!
On December 12, you'll have a chance to see our new space and experience firsthand the joys of singing in this fabulous hall. We'll be joined by The Toronto Horn Club under the direction of Barbara Bloomer. Come celebrate the holidays With a Touch of Brass! What could be more fitting?
Tickets for the December 12 concert are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. To reserve tickets, please phone 416 256-0510 and leave a message. Seating is limited, so please call early to avoid disappointment.
The Salvation Army North Toronto Community Church is located at 7 Eglinton Avenue East, just steps from the Yonge-Eglinton subway. There is underground parking nearby. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Fall/Winter Concert Schedule 2003
| Sunday, December 7: Unitarian Congregation of South Peel - 10:30 a.m. service |
| Wednesday, December 10: Castleview-Wychwood Towers, 6:45 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 14: Holy Name Church, 7:00 p.m. fundraising concert |
Mark your 2004 calendar!
The Upper Canada Choristers 10th Anniversary Concert will be held on May 14, 2004. Stay tuned for more details about a truly exciting program!
We Have a New Home!
The Choristers have a new rehearsal and concert space at the Salvation Army North Toronto Community Church, 7 Eglinton Avenue East, just steps from the Yonge-Eglinton subway. Here's the story of how we found this great space.
Last April, the Choristers were special musical guests at Davisville Public School's spring concert, held at the Salvation Army Church because of a school strike. We had a wonderful time performing with Davisville's vibrant Junior Choir, and we loved the space. We were especially impressed with the superior acoustics in the Sanctuary and the wonderfully maintained grand piano. After consulting with Pastors Captain Stephen and Gail Sears, we approached the Church with the idea of moving our weekly rehearsals to the Salvation Army. We started rehearsing there on September 8. There are five raked rows of seated risers and a podium, so everyone can see the conductor. The church has comfortable, theatre-style seating for about 300 people.
Praise for Gershwin & Friends
Last May's concert Gershwin & Friends showcased beloved Broadway classics, and it was another sold-out event for the Choristers. The concert featured special guests Mark Ruhnke, baritone soloist, and the Davisville Public School Junior Choir under the direction of Alison Bannerman.
Our audience responded with enthusiasm to a kinetic rendition of Side by Side by the men and boys from the two choirs. The Richard Rogers medley was another favourite. And we were delighted to showcase the pianistic talents of our own alto Ayako Ochi, who performed Gershwin's Three Preludes.
During the spring and early fall, we reprised music from Gershwin & Friends at the Ewart Angus Home for early Alzheimers patients and at a fundraising dinner for the Church of the Annunciation in North York. Now that the spectre of SARS has faded, we are looking forward to more community performances in the upcoming season.
Did You Know?
George Friedrich Handel composed his masterpiece Messiah at the age of 53 in only 24 days. The first performance took place in Dublin and all proceeds were donated to charity. Some of the money went to release 142 people from debtors' prison. Their debts were paid in full from concert revenue. We'll be singing the magnificent Hallelujah Chorus at our December concert.
April
2003
Choristers bring Gershwin - and Others - to Life
The Upper Canada Choristers are hard at work preparing for the Spring Fundraising concert, to be held on May 9th, 2003. This spring's theme, "Gershwin and Friends," features music by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and Richard Rogers, and promises a walk down memory lane for audience members young and old.
Concertgoers will recognize such tunes as Oklahoma! and Someone to Watch Over Me. As well as soloist Mark Ruhnke, the concert will feature another collaboration with the Davisville PS Junior Choir, directed by Alison Bannerman.
Spring Concert Schedule 2003
| Sunday, February 23: Concert at Sunnybrook Hospital, Warriors' Hall at 2:00 p.m. |
| Monday, April 14: Concert with Davisville Public School music students at Salvation Army, North Toronto Citadel at 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday, May 9: Gershwin & Friends Concert at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Flora McCrae Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. |
| Monday, May 12: Concert at Ewart Angus, 268 Merton Street, at 7:00 p.m. |
| Friday, May 30: Concert at Holy Name Church (Pape & Danforth) at 7:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday, June 4: Concert at Castleview-Wychwood Towers at 6:45 p.m. |
Anyone Can Sing in a Choir
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to sing in a choir? Did you think that you had to have years of musical experience? Think again. The collective experience Upper Canada Choristers is impressive, to be sure, but individually the choir members' musical background is as diverse as can be.
We asked choir members about their musical background, and summarized our findings in the graph to the right. You can see that more than half of the choir got its humble beginnings in public school choirs, but from there the experience level is all over the map. We have many members who sing in church choirs, several who sang in high school and university, and lots with no singing experience at all.
All this data provides continued proof that anyone can sing in a choir - and you can, too.
Going it solo: Mark Ruhnke, Baritone
Mark Ruhnke is a former educator for the Toronto District School Board now pursuing his music career. Recent engagements have included: Music Director of the Minnesota Ashram Conference; music organizer for the Willowbank Resort in Sandy's Parish; soloist in last year's Doctors Without Borders benefit in downtown Toronto; music organizer for the Food Bank of Greater Toronto Fundraiser; and regular organ player for church services, weddings and funerals. In March, Mark adjudicated elementary school choirs in both T.D.S.B. and York Region Board of Education Music Festivals.
Mark is also busy as a solo recitalist. Best known for his lyric baritone voice, he has performed his "Sentimental Journey" recital program across Ontario, from Chatham to Peterborough. Included in the performance is a multi-media slide show focusing on music from the British Isles, War Songs and religious favourites.
As a member of Party Bands International, Mark can be heard playing the piano from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Parkway-Sheraton Hotel (Highways 7 & 404). Corporate engagements have included many stops throughout Ontario, including an exotic 5-day Ford Canada conference in the Dominican Republic.
Mark's CD - Sentimental Portraits, with Rick Humphrey as accompanist - will be available following Mark's appearance with the Upper Canada Choristers (CD: $20, Cassette: $15).
Mark can be contacted at singitmark@aol.com.
Did You Know?
Born
in Brooklyn, in 1898, George Gershwin began his musical career as a teenaged
song-plugger on Tin Pan Alley. For the princely sum of $15 a week, he honed
his musical skills showcasing the music of other composers. He recorded many
piano rolls (to be played on player pianos) of music mostly by other
composers. Declining Irving Berlin's job offer to be Berlin's personal musical
secretary, George instead became a rehearsal pianist for a couple of Broadway
shows by Jerome Kern.
In 1919 Gershwin wrote his first musical. His first hit song, Swanee, was recorded by Al Jolson in 1920, and earned George $10,000 in royalties that year alone! George and Ira Gershwin produced their first musical together, Lady Be Good, in 1924, kicking off a collaboration that took them from Broadway to Hollywood.
Gershwin's writing combined elements of both popular and classical styles, embodying his belief that the two were not mutually exclusive. His favorite composition was Porgy and Bess, which ironically was never well received in his lifetime.
At the Upper Canada Choristers' concert on May 9, you will hear (and have a chance to sing along with!) a variety of music by George Gershwin as well as his contemporaries such as Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, and Richard Rodgers.
November
2002
Catherine West and the Palmerston Jr. Choir to perform with the Choristers
This year's December concert features a collaboration with the Palmerston Jr. Choir, under the direction of Catherine West.
Catherine West is an elementary music specialist with the Toronto District School Board. She is also a past-president of the Ontario Carl Orff Chapter, and currently serves as third vice-president on the national executive of Carl Orff Canada/Music for Children. She works as a senior associate with Connexionarts, an arts-in-education consulting company, and has written program evaluations, reports, curricula, and trainer manuals for organizations such as the Delaware symphony Orchestra, the Napa Valley Symphony, and the GRAMMY's Leonard Bernstein Foundation. Catherine regularly hosts workshops for education faculties, school boards, and Orff chapters across the country. Finally, she is the Director of the Orff levels courses at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and teaches Orff levels one, two and three at the Conservatory and at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. She also contributes regularly to a number of music education journals.
The Palmerston Junior Choir was organized by Catherine West in 1991. Over the past eleven years, Palmerston students in grades four to six have participated in Kiwanis Festivals, performances in senior citizens' homes, hospitals and shopping malls, field trips to choral performances, workshops with the Canadian Children's Opera Chorus, sharing sessions with local schools and Area Choral Festivals, and regular concerts in the school itself. The choir welcomes all students and performs an inclusive repertoire which balances Canadian music, world music, and music of the Western canon. A highlight of their last season was performing with the Palmerston Gamelan Ensemble at Massey hall for the Toronto District School Board Annual Spring Concert.
Anyone Can Sing in a Choir
Ever wonder if you have what it takes to sing in a choir? Did you think that you had to be an "artsy" person, or have a musical background? Think again. The Upper Canada Choristers is made up of a diverse group of people - the makeup of which might surprise you. We surveyed the choir to discover what members do for a living. Surprisingly, the largest group is the medical or science-related group, making up 20% of the choir (including medical doctors, scientists, pharmacists, medical secretaries, and medical sales reps). The members of the next largest group, at 18%, come from arts, media and publishing fields. These people hold positions as editors, graphic designers, and communications managers. The smaller groups are the most diverse, with representation from the Retired, Homemaker, Admin/HR, Real Estate, and Travel and Tourism categories. You can see that there is no one group that dominates, and that's because anyone can sing in a choir - and you can, too.
The Upper Canada Choristers is especially looking for male voices at the moment. If you're interested, please give us a call, or just drop in to rehearsal at 7:30 on Monday nights at Hodgson Public School. We look forward to seeing you there!
Yes, this time there'll be acting…under the stage direction of Valerie Abels
This year's Christmas concert, Of a Rose, a Lovely Rose, will feature a rare treat. The Upper Canada Choristers are pairing up with the Palmerston Junior Choir to perform John Rutter's "The Reluctant Dragon" - complete with props, costumes, and, yes, acting. Under the stage direction of Valerie Abels, the UCC members have been working on their acting skills. The show will feature various soloists as lead characters of the story, backed by the choirs playing villagers en masse. The show is shaping up to be great fun, so don't miss it! The performance will take place at 7:30pm on December 13, 2002, at the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.
Upcoming Events
The Upper Canada Choristers perform in a variety of community events throughout the year. If you can't make it to our annual Christmas concert, you are welcome to attend any (or all!) of these:
|
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 7:00pm: Palmerston Public School (featuring the Palmerston Jr. Choir) |
|
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:00pm: Warrior's Hall, Sunnybrook Hospital (also featuring the Palmerston Jr. Choir) |
|
Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30pm: Of a Rose, a Lovely Rose fundraising concert, Flora McCrae Auditorium, Timothy Eaton Memorial Church |
|
Wednesday, Dec. 18, 6:45pm: Castleview-Wychwood Towers |
Did You Know?
The custom of celebrating Christmas over a twelve-day period began in the Middle Ages. Because religious holidays were the only opportunities for rest and relaxation, the celebration was extended. While only the wealthy would have been able to afford to give a gift on each of the twelve days of Christmas, everyone could enjoy stories about the exchange of gifts. Counting songs were very popular at this time, and to this day we still sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Interestingly, in today's economy, the total cost of goods and services listed in the song comes to $62,935.17 U.S. The highest priced item would be the "Nine Ladies Dancing" at $4,019.24, coming in well above the $1,749.15 for the "Twelve Drummers Drumming"!
October
2002
What's New?
The 2002-2003 choir year officially began on September 9 with a sweltering first rehearsal! Our membership is growing exponentially. New singers have joined after seeing us or our publicity, or after taking in one of our concerts, perhaps having received invitations from friends who are members. We continue to have our weekly rehearsals at Hodgson Public School and are already preparing for what promises to be a most exciting year.
Our schedule is filled with concerts at community venues ranging from schools and churches to hospitals and nursing homes. The seasonal fund-raising concert, Of a Rose, a lovely Rose will take place on Friday, December 13 at the Flora McCrae Auditorium of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.
The programme will feature the music of John Rutter, including The Reluctant Dragon, and there will be lots of opportunities for audience participation in singing familiar carols. We will be joined this time by children from the Palmerston Public School Junior Choir and members of the Royal Conservatory Orff Ensemble under the direction of Catherine West.
More details about this family concert will appear in the next newsletter.
Choir News
We have embarked on an exciting new initiative! Well-known Canadian composer Stephen Chatman will be writing a new choral work to help us celebrate our tenth anniversary in 2004. Having performed Steve's Songs of the Prospector at our very first public concert in the spring of 1994 and more recently in our concert celebrating Canadian culture in May 2000, we feel a special connection to his music. In May of 2000, we also sang a great choir favourite written by Steve: Rose Cheek'd Laura, Come. We are thrilled to be involved in this collaboration.
For our part in this process, we are currently searching for appropriate Canadian texts in public domain, preferably from Ontario. In general, when writing a vocal work, the composer starts with a text which stimulates his creativity. Steve is expecting us to send him a variety of material in December from which (hopefully!) he will find something inspiring. If any of you have a suggestion for our text, please let us know.
Dr. Chatman, professor of Composition at the University of British Columbia School of Music in Vancouver, was born in 1950 in Faribault, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory (B.Mus.) and the University of Michigan (D.M.A.). He is the recipient of numerous awards in composition, including a Fulbright Grant, three B.M.I. Prizes, an M.B. Rockefellar Fund grant, the Charles Ives Scholarship from The U.S. National Institute of the Arts and Letters, and the 2001 BBC Masterprize short-list. Dr. Chatman's more than 60 published choral works have been widely performed; his orchestral music has been performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Radio Orchestra, Sydney, Seoul, San Francisco, Winnepeg, St. Louis, Calgary, Detroit, Dallas and New World symphonies.
Did You Know?
The Reluctant Dragon is a musical fable based on a children's story first published in 1898 in a collection of stories called Dream Days by Kenneth Grahame. John Rutter wrote this musical adaptation for The King Singers, a famous group of 6 male singers, to sing at a Christmas concert with the City of London Sinfonia. The published version first appeared in 1984 and has a variety of performance possibilities.
John Rutter's name has become almost synonymous with Christmas for many choral enthusiasts. He, himself, says he feels a special affinity for Christmas. He has written, arranged and edited a large number of carols, and we are sure you will enjoy hearing and singing some of these at our concerts in December.
April/May
2002
Will Ye No Come Back Again?
A Celtic Celebration
of Music from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Maritime CanadaWill Ye No Come Back Again? is a song commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie, otherwise known as Charles Edward Stuart (1720-1799). Bonnie Prince Charlie led the Second Jacobite Rebellion in 1745 in an attempt to restore the Stuarts to the throne of England and Scotland. After many victories, he was defeated at the battle of Culloden and escaped to France. This song has remained a favourite through the centuries and has become a parting song for many different occasions. We will be singing an arrangement of this lovely song by Canadian composer Dr. Mark G. Sirett at our spring concerts.
The concert takes place on Friday, May 10, 2002, at 7:30 p.m. at the Flora McCrae Auditorium of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. The church is located at 230 St. Clair Avenue West, just west of Avenue Road. The entrance to the auditorium is off Dunvegan. Tickets are $12 if reserved in advance and $15 at the door. Children under 12 will be admitted for half price. To reserve tickets, please call 416-256-0510 and leave a message with the number of tickets you require and your name and phone number.
We will have several featured guest artists:
Sandy MacIntyre, Fiddler, is a performer of international repute who has been delighting audiences across Canada and Scotland with his Celtic fiddle playing. He was a featured artist in the Toronto production of Needfire, which played in the summer of 1998. He has also recorded several solo albums, the most recent of which is Steeped in Tradition. Sandy has done much to keep the tradition of Celtic music and dancing alive through his performing and teaching. He is recognized by both peers and fans alike as a purist who has never allowed trends to influence his commitment to the real thing. He was the first Canadian to perform and hold workshops in Belnain House, well-known home of highland music in Inverness, Scotland. Sandy has received numerous awards and accolades for his life-long dedication to preserving Cape Breton culture. Sandy's sister Mary will be accompanying him on the piano.
Patrick and Evan Ronan, Step Dancers, will be making a return appearance with the Choristers. They were featured guests in our spring concert two years ago: She's Like the Swallow - A Celebration of Canadian Culture. Patrick and Evan are students at the Claude Watson School for the Arts and have been dancing together since they were 10 years old. They study dancing at the Gaelic College and perform regularly with Sandy MacIntyre.
Nora Fraser, Flutist, has been appearing with the Choristers for many years. She plays flute in concert with us, takes on the role of Stage Manager whenever necessary, has been known to organize the Box office and has even acted in a few dramatic scenes (including The Ecstasy of Rita Joe in our concert celebrating Canadian culture).
Bring a Teen
We are again participating in La Scena Musicale's Bring a Teen program. Any adult who purchases a ticket to our concert can sponsor a teen who is currently enrolled in high school or CEGEP.
Community Concerts
| Wednesday, May 8: Castleview-Wychwood Towers at 6:45 p.m. |
| Monday, May 13: Maynard Nursing Home at 6:45 p.m. |
| Friday, May 31: Holy Name Church, Pape and Danforth, fund-raising concert at 7:30 p.m. |
| Monday, June 3: Etobicoke General Hospital at 7:00 p.m. |
| Monday, June 17: Laughlen Centre at 7:00 p.m. |
February/March
2002
….Aft hae I rov'd by bonnie Doon,
To see the rose and woodbine twine;
And ilka bird sang o' its love;
And fondly sae did I o' mine….
Robbie Burns
Will Ye No Come Back Again
A Celtic Celebration
We are very excited about our musical program this term! Rehearsals are already well under way for our spring concert season, which will feature folk music from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Maritime Canada. Celtic music opens up to us a window of understanding into the legends and beliefs, hopes and dreams of a poetic tradition that touches all of us. You won't want to miss our fund-raising concert on Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Flora McCrae Auditorium of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. Well-known Cape Breton fiddler Sandy MacIntyre and friends will be joining us in what promises to be a special event. Anyone who has had a chance to hear Sandy play can well understand why Cape Breton is known as Celtic Fiddlers' Heaven. There will be more details on this concert in our next newsletter.
Community Concerts
The Choristers have started their concert season early this year. Our first performance was on Thursday, February 21 at Davisville Public School. Former chorister Alison Bannerman is the choral director at Davisville and last summer she invited the Upper Canada Choristers to join the children in the school's music program in a joint concert. It has been several years since we have sung with any children's choirs, so we were delighted to accept Alison's invitation! This was truly a multi-cultural program with the choirs singing in a total of 6 different languages. The children were particularly enthralled with the animal sounds in the Mikma'q Honour Song that the two choirs sang together. The final selection for the two choirs was African, from a Shona mass, accompanied only by percussion. We will be performing together again on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. for the Veterans in K Wing at Sunnybrook Hospital.
Our concert schedule is almost complete, and we are currently negotiating dates with several facilities for performances in May and June.
Did You Know?
When the subject of Irish folk music comes up, most people immediately think of Londonderry Air or Danny Boy as it is also known. This hauntingly beautiful song from Northern Ireland is internationally known and loved. However, the best-known traditional song of Northern Ireland is The Belle of Belfast, also known as I'll Tell My Ma. In Ireland, The Belle of Belfast is sung by elementary school children as part of their choir repertoire, by children skipping-rope and at sporting events, especially at international soccer or rugby matches by fans supporting Northern Irish or Ulster teams. It is performed by Protestant marching bands, especially accordion and flute bands, during July commemoratory celebrations and by Catholic marching bands during August celebrations. It is frequently sung at local pubs. The song is so well known that audiences often sing along when they hear it performed. You will have a chance to hear this charming folk song at our May concert.
November/December
2001
Be merry all,
Be merry all,
With holly dress the festive hall;
Prepare the song, the feast, the ball,
To welcome merry Christmas.W.R. Spencer
Christmas Around the World
Come "welcome merry Christmas" in song, story and poetry at our holiday fund-raising concert on Friday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. We'll be singing in the season with Hanukkah music, and a global tour of Christmas traditions and music from Poland, Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, the Caribbean and, of course, Canada. Come raise your voice with us in glorious harmony and help us reclaim the tradition of singing carols that have been enjoyed for hundreds of years.
The concert will be held at the Flora McCrae Auditorium of the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church on St. Clair Ave. W., just west of Avenue Road, and will feature three guest artists.
Soprano Victoria Pinnington is joining us for a second time. Comfortable on both the operatic and concert stage, Victoria studied in Toronto, Montreal, and London, England, and holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music. After many years away, singing professionally in the United States and Europe, Victoria now calls Toronto home. As well as performing as a solo artist, she currently sings with the Canadian Opera Company.
Timothy Southwell, a tenor, began singing at the age of 12, and is now an international performer of note. He toured North America singing gospel, and has been involved in jazz and musical theatre. In Los Angeles he was a regular on a morning television show, and he also performed with the Bermuda Philharmonic. Locally his credits include the Toronto Operetta Theatre, Opera in Concert, and the Mississauga Opera.
Flutist Laurel Trainor has appeared with us many times. Laurel graduated from the Royal Conservatory of Music with the Gold Medal in Performance. She holds a degree in music from the University of Toronto, and has considerable experience as a soloist, orchestral player and chamber musician. She is also the recipient of a Canada Council Grant to study abroad.
Don't miss this holiday celebration! Tickets purchased or reserved in advance are $12 for adults (children's are half-price), or $15 at the door on the day of the concert. Call 416-256-0510, and leave a message to reserve your tickets today. Please bring a non-perishable food item.
Bring a Teen
We are adopting a program, as initiated by La Scena Musicale, to help young people discover the wonders of classical and, especially, choral music. Every adult who purchases a ticket to our concert can receive one free ticket to bring a teenaged student with them. Eligible teenagers must be students in high school or CEGEP. The sponsoring adult must provide the name and age of the teen. Up to 20 tickets are available for this program.
Community Concerts
The Choristers are performing around town:
| Sunday, December 2: Unitarian Congregation of South Peel, Service at 10:30 a.m. |
| Wednesday, December 5: Castleview-Wychwood Towers at 6:45 p.m. |
| Thursday, December 13: Etobicoke General Hospital, 5th floor at 1:00 p.m. |
| Monday, December 17: Laughlen Centre at 7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 23: Maynard Nursing Home, Caroling at 10:00 a.m. |
Did You Know?
In 1507, Edward Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham, held a magnificent celebration throughout the twelve days of Christmas at Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire. The festivities ended with a sumptuous banquet on the Feast of Epiphany, on January 6, to which 459 people were invited for dinner! Cooks were brought in from Bristol, and many singers and musicians were hired to perform for the guests. No doubt one of the carols they sang was God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.
September/October
2001
Choir News
Talk about auspicious beginnings. In the middle of our 8th year, believe it or not, a record nine new choristers have swelled our ranks. We couldn't be happier (but don't forget, there's always room for more). And that's not all. We now have a rehearsal pianist! Carolyn Freeze comes to us from Calgary, and is in Toronto to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
We lost two of our members to the wanderlust this summer, but they have promised to keep in touch. Judy Breckles, our "drummer", is now living in Trinidad and working as the Guidance Counselor at the Canadian School there. She says she would be pleased to have visitors, which makes us think a choir field trip might be in order! And Paolo Bidin, who was responsible for bringing us Coro Anthem from Italy last spring, has relocated to Poughkeepsie, New York. Paolo tells us he will be a frequent visitor to Toronto. We don't see why he can't make the trip in for choir practices; it's only a nine-hour drive!
Former Chorister Verna Pollack, who now resides in Calgary, managed to be in Toronto for our concert last May. It was great to see you, Verna! We're always happy to reunite with our alumni singing buddies.
Christmas Around the World
There will be three special guest artists joining us this December for our concert entitled Christmas Around the World. Those of you who braved that awful weather for our concert last December (and we're glad you did) will remember a superb performance by soprano Victoria Pinnington. She comes our way from the Canadian Opera Company, and we're delighted to have her with us again this time. Also no stranger to us is flutist Laurel Trainor, who has performed at several of our concerts. As a matter of fact, she was our very first professional guest artist at our Christmas concert seven years ago. Also joining us will be Timothy Southwell, a tenor from Opera Mississauga.
Our programme will feature Christmas songs and carols from around the world, as well as Hanukkah selections, and of course, as always, our famous sing along. Please join us at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, in the Flora McCrae Auditorium, on Friday, December 14.
Did You Know?
According to tradition, Canada's first Christmas carol, The Huron Carol, was written by Father Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary, to explain the nativity story to the Huron Indians. As the well-loved and respected Superior of the Huron mission, he was fluent in their language and able to translate many Christian stories into Huron. Between 1639 and 1649, a central home was established at Sainte-Marie called The Abode of Peace. This residence was just east of where Midland now stands. Brébeuf worked for fourteen years in the Huron lands before becoming a martyr, tortured and slain by enemies of the Hurons.
By 1649, the Iroquois brought total ruin to the Hurons, and the Jesuits set fire to Sainte-Marie to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. A few managed to escape, and they settled at Lorette, Quebec. It was in a manuscript found at Lorette that The Huron Carol first resurfaced. It was a song, the Hurons said, which Father de Brébeuf had taught to their ancestors. But the first printed version of this carol did not appear until the late 1700's.
Volunteers
Thank you to all the wonderful folks who volunteered to help us in a variety of ways at our last public concert. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Our gratitude to Nora Fraser, Robert Dunn, Donato Gioiosa, Jan Gordon, Tiziano Vanda, Anne Grieve, Jackie Mills, Eric Scott, Tony Sneyd, Jill Thomson, Bill Wells, and Judy Wells.
Donors and Supporters
These people and companies have generously donated funds and other services. Thank you for your support.
Donations - 2000/2001 Season
Patrons
| Jack Atkin |
| MDS Inc. |
| Byrl Schleihauf |
| Scotiabank |
| Karen Vanderzweerde |
| Robert Vanderzweerde |
Supporters
| Rita Dwyer, in memory of Iris Hobbs-Smith |
| Margo Enns |
| Graycom Analysis |
| Malcolm Koss |
| Gerry and Janine Leenders |
| William Logan |
| Don and Judy McCoombes |
| Barbara Mildon |
| Eric Pattenden |
| Heidi Pattenden |
| L.Col. E. Pinnington |
| Mohamed Somani |
| Ann Tozer |
Sponsors
The following companies or individual have donated time and services or loaned equipment to the choir:
| Amazon Indoor Playground |
| Jack Atkin |
| The Brochure Place |
| Dog and Pony Studios |
| MDS Inc. |
| Rent Express |
April/May
2001
Sing With Joy!
Spring is finally here, and we are only a month away from our fund-raising concert at the Flora McCrae Auditorium! We are proud and more than a little excited that on Friday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., we will experience a massed choir of close to 60 voices as we join our Italian guests for an incredible programme. Messages have been flying back and forth between Canada and Italy to make all the final arrangements for this momentous event. Coro Anthem, an award-winning mixed-voice a capella choir, will be performing a selection of Early Music in period costume. We will join them in a rendition of Va Pensiero, the likes of which have not been heard this side of the Atlantic.
Our portion of the programme will be a selection of moving gospel music, featuring a number of spirituals that were originally sung by slaves attempting escape via the Underground Railroad. We are delighted to announce that we will be joined by author and Ontario Black History Society President, Rosemary Sadlier. This dynamic speaker will provide an insightful trip through the musical history of the Underground Railroad. She is sure to enlighten us all with some fascinating historical tidbits.
Tickets for this unique event are already moving fast. Reserve yours now by calling 416-256-0510. Just leave a message with your name and how many you would like.
Coro Anthem
Coro Anthem, meaning literally "Anthem Choir", was founded by Marco Prina in 1980, in Monza, Italy, a town near Milan. Paola Versetti has been their Conductor and Music Director since 1982. Specializing in both Renaissance and contemporary music, the choir maintains a membership of about 25 singers. They perform 16th and 17th century secular pieces, in Renaissance costume, often collaborating with period dance and instrumental groups. Their awards in national choral competitions include: 1st place, Gran Premio E. Casagrande, Vittorio Veneto, 1999; 2nd place, Concorso Polifonico Nazionale Guido d'Arezzo, 1998; 3rd place, Concorso Polifonico Nazionale Guido d'Arezzo, 2000.
For further information on this distinguished choir, visit their website at http://coroanthem.freeweb.supereva.it.
Paola Versetti
Paola Versetti is a graduate of the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Music in Milan, and a specialist in the interpretation and execution of Renaissance vocal music. She has studied Gregorian chant, contemporary choral music, choral conducting, and vocal technique, and is currently a Professor at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory of Music in Como. Paola is an active member of the USCI Artistic Commission in Lombardy, and is frequently called upon to adjudicate for choral competitions (as is our own fearless leader, Laurie Evan Fraser, we might add).
Community Concerts
We have a number of events booked for May and June, and are still working out the details on some others.
| Wednesday, May 16 - Maynard Nursing Home |
| Monday, May 28 - Sunnybrook Hospital, K-Wing, Warriors' Hall |
| Wednesday, May 30 - Castleview-Wychwood Towers |
| Monday, June 11 - Laughlen Centre |
| Monday, June 18 - Etobicoke General Hospital, 5th Floor |
If you have any relatives or friends there, why not pay them a visit and accompany them to our concert?
Did you know?
Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad. After escaping from slavery, she came back many times to help guide others to freedom, thus earning the title of "Moses". Any spiritual that refers to Moses is talking about Harriet Tubman. One such spiritual, whose tune is known as "Tubman", is When Israel Was in Egypt's Land: "Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt land; tell old Pharaoh to let my people go."
February/March
2001
Spring Concert
It's that time again! Our annual spring fund-raising concert is on Friday, May 4, at 7:30 p.m., at the Flora McCrae Auditorium of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. Sing With Joy - A Choral Celebration will feature different choral styles, from Early Music to African-American spirituals and gospel music. We are very excited to announce that this year we'll be joined by our special guests from Italy, Coro Anthem. This award-winning, a capella mixed-voice choir specializes in Renaissance and 20th century music. Most recently, they were winners in the XVII Concorso Polifonico Nazionale Guido D'Arezzo. We expect that this will be a very popular concert, so reserve your tickets early!
Tickets are $12 if reserved in advance, or $15 at the door. Please call 416-256-0510 to reserve your tickets.
Visiting Choir
Choir members are working hard to make sure our Italian guests will have a good time in Toronto this spring. Coro Anthem will be performing in 4 different concerts (including ours) during the week they are here, and between rehearsals and performances they will be attending concerts of other choirs, as well as seeing as much of Toronto as they can! We have planned a trip to Niagara Falls on the day after they arrive, and of course we'll have a special dinner together after our joint concert. If you would like to be involved in this unique event, please feel free to contact us. We can use a variety of sponsorship and assistance for everything from subway tokens to the printing of the concert programme and a farewell brunch.
Choir News
On Saturday, February 17, it was Karaoke night at chez Vanderzweerde, and the die-hard partiers were at it again till one in the morning! Karen and Robert hosted this event last year, and folks had so much fun that it has become an annual happening. As usual, there were many tasty treats on hand to fuel the festivities.
On March 10, an envoy from the choir will be joining in the sing-along Sound of Music, running in Toronto at the Eglinton Theatre for a limited engagement. Our social co-ordinator, Lynn Cooper, had a taste of this phenomenon last spring when she visited England, and it sounds to us like a tailor-made choir happening. Why don't you dust off your lederhosen and join in!
Did You Know?
The Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad, but is a term that refers to the often highly organized system of escape from slavery that as many as 100,000 enslaved peoples in North America took to the Promised Land; i.e., Canada. While most escaped northwards, some did make it to Mexico or the Caribbean. It has come to light in recent years that many spirituals are code songs that were used by the slaves to communicate information about escaping.
One of the most famous of these is Follow the Drinking Gourd (page down to see the complete words), which actually provides a map and timetable for the Underground Railroad. The "drinking gourd" refers to the Big Dipper and the North Star, used as reference points. "When the sun comes back and the first quail calls" means that spring is a good time to attempt escape. "The river bank makes a mighty good road" is a reminder that bloodhounds lose the scent in water. "The dead trees will show you the way" means that moss grows on the north side of dead trees (in case the stars are not visible at night). "Left foot, peg foot, travelin' on" is a direct reference to one of the famous conductors on the Railroad who would leave visual markers for escapees with his wooden leg. "The river ends between two hills" is a clue for the directions to the Ohio River. We welcome you to sing this spiritual along with us at our concert in May. Don't worry, we'll teach it to you. See you there.
Follow the Drinking Gourd
Follow the drinking gourd, follow the drinking gourd,
For the old man is a-waitin' for to carry you to freedom, follow the drinking gourd.When the sun comes back and the first quail calls, follow the drinking gourd.
The old man is a-waitin' for to carry you to freedom, follow the drinking gourd.Now the river bank makes a mighty good road, the dead trees will show you the way.
Left foot, peg foot, travelin' on, follow the drinking gourd.Now the river ends between two hills, follow the drinking gourd.
There's another river on the other side, follow the drinking gourd.
November/December
2000
Christmas Through the Ages
Reserve your tickets now for our Holiday fund-raising Concert on Friday, December 8. This seasonal event will take place at our regular concert home in the Flora McCrae Auditorium of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, on St. Clair Avenue just one block west of Avenue Road at 7:30 p.m. Our programme spans several centuries of music, from medieval to modern, from plainchant to Jingle Bells! There will be many opportunities to sing along with the choir on familiar carols, and you will also learn a Chanukah song. We are pleased to announce that Victoria Pinnington, soprano, from the Canadian Opera Company will be our featured Guest Artist. Don't miss this holiday celebration! Tickets purchased or reserved in advance are $12 for adults (children's are half-price) or $15 at the door on the day of the concert. Call 256-0510 and leave a message to reserve your tickets today. Please bring a non-perishable food item with you for our food drive collection.
What's New
Our concert schedule in December is full!
| Monday, December 11: Sunnybrook Hospital - Warriors' Hall at 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, December 13: Castleview -Wychwood Towers at 6:45 pm |
| Monday, December 18; Laughlen Centre, 7:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, December 20: Etobicoke General Hospital, 5th floor at 7:00 p.m. |
| Sunday, December 24: Maynard Nursing Home - Afternoon caroling |
| Sunday, December 24: Prince Of Wales Hotel in Niagara on the Lake at 6:00 p.m. |
