Choir wants to build bridges

Edmonton Vocal Minority (EVM), a 22-member mixed choir, has come a long way since its birth 18 years ago as a form of political activism for Gay Pride Week.

“At that time the repertoire was about asserting our rights. But the political activism at EVM has all but disappeared. And from what I hear, in Canada it’s disappeared,” says assistant artistic director Kirk Kryvenchuk.

“We no longer sing ‘give us our rights.’ Now it’s all about building bridges. We all have common elements. We all have the same aspirations.”

In fact Our Proud Voices on June 22 and 23 at Catalyst Theatre is all about diversity. Conductor Paula Roberts has peppered the 90-minute concert with a world-tour of tunes from the United States and France to India and Senegal.

Hosting the concert is the irrepressible and irreverent Darrin Hagen, Canada’s most notorious drag performer.

“This is a big world and a big tent we live in and the myriad of cultures around us offer us a lot of traditions to celebrate.”

In this particular concert, Roberts has chosen songs that reflect resilience and hope. “This is a common theme through many of the songs — that whatever difficulties they are faced with, they can overcome.”

The concert opens with Carly Simon’s Let the River Run, a tune “that speaks of freedom and moving without boundaries.”

The choir segues into a tune from the French movie Les Choristes before veering into Yanaway Heyona, a traditional Iroquois chant that invites the Great Spirit to the harvest.

“It’s very cool. The choir breaks up into different groups. There are sound effects of nature and it sets the whole mood. It’s a very evocative piece.”

Two very spontaneous South African pieces are celebrated including Asika Thali, a tune about carrying a heavy load and singing about freedom.

But it is the hair-raising Africa that will add a nostalgic touch. “The choir responds well to African call-and-response songs and the audience really enjoys them. It’s the rhythm and sincerity. It has a universal appeal.”

And the closer is Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, a big rousing Bollywood number. “It’s colourful. It has feelings of joy and excitement. It’s going to be fun.”

Kryvenchuk encourages anyone who loves heartfelt music to pop by. “It’s an evening of who we are and it’s a celebration of music. That’s what concerts are all about.”