The Thomanerchor of Leipzig has survived centuries of war, plague and flood. It is Europe’s oldest choir and this year celebrates 802 years of service to Germany.
Nowhere in Canada do we have a choir of that magnitude. However, tonight the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus celebrates its 70th annual Spring Concert at the Winspear. And for a Canadian choir, that’s quite a testament to longevity.
Headed by the enigmatic Dr. Robert de Frece, the choir has made beautiful music since it was founded in 1944. For seven decades it has continued growing with new generations of fans.
The broad repertoire stretches from Johannes Brahms, Joseph Haydn and Edward Elgar to the more contemporary Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Sound of Music.
Joining the choir is the Faculty of Education Handbell Ringers with arrangements of Leroy Anderson’s Jazz Pizzicato and Edward Grieg’s Anitra’s Dance.
Nearly one-half-dozen local singers are performing in the choir. They include Daniel Van Cauwenberg, William McDonald, Caitlin Adams and Jonathan Backs from St. Albert as well as Katherine Schafers and Brady Hughes from Morinville.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $18 and are available at 780-420-1757 or online at tixonthesquare.ca.
The Cosmopolitan Music Society celebrates its 50th anniversary with its special In-House Concert Series slated for the next three Sundays – April 6, 13 and 27.
The concert series features Edmonton-based professional musicians that have supported the society as members, clinicians or supporters.
This coming Sunday, John McPherson, principal trombonist for Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, is scheduled to perform with the Tuesday Band.
On April 13, Alvin Lowrey, principal trumpet emeritus at ESO joins the Wednesday Band, and for the final concert, Edmonton-based tenor Robert Clark performs with the Cosmopolitan Chorus.
All performances start at 2:30 p.m. at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre, 8426 Gateway Blvd. Tickets are $10 to $12. Call 780-432-9333 or email [email protected].
