For the first time in seven years, Bow Valley Chorus will perform one of the world’s greatest pieces of music.
Conductor John Goulart, who founded the choir in 2001, is excited by the repertoire of this year’s Christmas concerts.
“We’re doing a version of Handel’s Messiah, which we have not done in seven years,” said Goulart. “We’re very excited to do this. We did this very early on in the choir’s genesis, and we did it for five years in a row, and decided to stop and took a long break.”
Composed in 1741-42 by English composer George Frideric Handel, Messiah is an English-language oratorio which has come to be known as one of the best-loved choral works of all time.
“The Messiah is a tradition for many choirs at Christmas, it’s a tremendously popular piece of music that people have enjoyed since its inception,” said Goulart.
The choir will perform two concerts, Saturday (Dec. 15) at The Banff Centre and Sunday (Dec. 16) at Canmore Collegiate High School, with both shows starting at 8 p.m.
Soloists for the performance include soprano Karen Minish, mezzo Nan Hughes, tenor Jorge Avilés and bass Jason Erhardt.
“We always perform with a full orchestra as well,” said Goulart. “Usually members of Red Deer Symphony or freelance musicians or members of the Calgary Philharmonic.”
Founded 11 years ago, the choir has a current roster of 50, with ages ranging from teens to seniors.
“I started Bow Valley Chorus back in 2001 – before that I was involved in other choirs and did what was called the Bow Valley Millennium Event with members of the Calgary Philharmonic – it was a very successful event that spawned this choir.
“The vast majority of members have been a part of it since 2001,” he said. “The membership fluctuates from year to year and we’ve had as many as 92. Right now it’s a smaller version, but it’s still a very enthusiastic choir.”
Judy Vincent has been with the choir since its since inception.
“John invited all the choirs in the Valley to join for the Millennium and I was in another choir, so it was really exciting to do that, because I love singing,” said Vincent. “Singing is so good for the soul, it makes you feel so happy, and also it fills the depths of your emotions.”
It’s the fellowship of singing with others which truly draws her in, she explained.
“We have some amazing singers. I’ve certainly improved my singing ability singing with this choir,” said Vincent. “And I love the fellowship of singing together.
“There are times when we’re singing, particularly in performances because we’re so focused, I feel like we’re levitating. I know that sounds silly, but it’s amazing, it’s inspiring.”
The choir’s youngest member is 14-year-old Alida Kelly; this is her first year singing with the chorus.
“I’ve been singing lots and then I heard about it and I wanted to do something different – I’ve never done anything like it before so I thought I’d try it out – and I love it,” said Kelly, whose mother also sings in the choir.
“I really, really like it, it’s different from anything I’ve done before and is hard and challenging, but I like that,” she said. “I think it’s fun and the feeling of being in a room with all these different harmonies is amazing – you can feel it in your whole body and it’s just crazy.”
Kelly’s singing has definitely improved through the choir, she said.
“My singing has definitely improved. I usually sing all musical theatre stuff, but this is a whole genre of singing I’ve never done before, and it’s heightened my range and made me a stronger singer. It’s made me have to use my breathing more.”
Not at all discouraged by being the youngest of the group, instead there’s a lot to be learned, said Kelly.
“I think it’s really cool being around all these people who are older than me, there’s a lot to learn and be gained,” she said. “And they all have such different backgrounds, so it’s really cool to get to know people other than my normal peers.”
Tickets for the performances are $25 for adults, $10 for children under 10, and are available at Stratton’s Jewellers in Banff and Café Books in Canmore.
“The choir is a non-profit, but we charge admission to cover our expenses,” said Goulart. “People who want to join the choir can contact me.”
For more information, the chorus can be found online at bowvalleychorus.com
