Unity in Diversity – a colourful pageantry of culture

Renie Zeitz remembers the first Unity in Diversity Concert the St. Albert Baha’i organized.

“It was a tea party in Grandin Mall. We invited four children from seven to 10 who went to Suzuki School of Music to play,” said Zeitz.

Today the 21st annual Unity in Diversity Concert is a splashy affair that has largely spilled into the capital region. Despite its growing size, the concert has never stumbled from its original goal – to promote tolerance, eradicate prejudice and foster positive relations between all Canadians.

Traditionally held at the Arden Theatre, it has expanded into a showcase-style variety show that celebrates the area’s cultural mosaic.

Once again, this feast for the eyes and ears returns on Saturday, Nov. 8 with CTV weatherman Josh Classen as host, a logical choice since he lives in the city.

“This is the third time he’s hosted for us. People really like him. He’s very boyish and he seems quite joyful,” she noted.

Classen gets to display his comedic skills introducing world music groups such as Sufi Music Ensemble, Trincan Steel Orchestra, Edmonton Chinese Dance Academy and Sri Lankan Dance Group.

Also on the bill are the jazz stylings of The Project Saxophone Quartet, Edmonton Festival Ballet, and classical pianist-singer David Fraser.

The evening opens with a dash of colour, elegance and grace as the Sri Lankan Dance Group weaves its way through traditional and modern dances.

“They are very accomplished traditional dancers and their footwork is quite intricate. Three members of the group will also do hip-hop. They’re quite eclectic.”

At a time when Islam is receiving a battering in North America, the Sufi Music Ensemble reveals the Eastern religion’s mysticism. As Karim Gillani, founder of the ensemble explains, Sufi music is the mystical dimension of Islam, a way to purify souls in a path that takes seekers to the divine.

“It transforms one’s soul and understanding of humanity. It is the entire universe in you and you can embrace it and shower it with respect and love,” Gillani said.

Sufi music carries sublime messages of love and peace from traditional Islamic poetry combined with modern sounds and a contemporary outlook. Accomplished musicians from the University of Alberta play sarangi, sitar, santoor, tabla, flute, violin, bass guitar, harmonium and Tombak.

Instead Trincan Steel Orchestra, long-time favourites at Cariwest, prefer to keep the peace with hip-shakin’ grooves. Founded 32 years ago by Earl Ellis and Cecil George, the ensemble developed a robust reputation banging on steel pan drums made similar to discarded oil drums in the sunny islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Dani George, daughter of Cecil, began panning at about age seven and is one of four drummers playing a medley of familiar Jamaican tunes at the concert.

“Everyone has heard about steel pan drums, but not everyone has seen them. We’re excited to bring culture and community together,” said Dani George.

“People are curious about other people’s cultures and this will be a great opportunity to see lots of different cultures. Come, enjoy and if you feel like it, get up and dance.”

One group not shy about expressing their emotions through music is the Edmonton Chinese Dance Academy, a style of dance where form and theatricality are paramount.

The young ensemble of 12 to 16 girls will perform two folk and urban dances. Kang Din is a romantic Tibetan dance where a group of young girls yearn for a good life and a happy family. The second, Arshima, is the story of two people who fall in love.

“We are proud that people enjoy our culture even if they don’t understand the dance. But they feel the story inside. We really appreciate the encouragement people give us at this multicultural exchange. It makes society more like one family,” stated teacher Xiaomei Zheng.

Edmonton Festival Ballet, headquartered at Vimy Ridge Academy, also returns to perform for a third time with two short dances.

Leaving, a choreography by St. Albert resident Maria Chia and Cally Keubler explores the mixed emotions one has when walking away from love.

Displaced Persons, the second dance, is also a Keubler choreography that looks at Canada’s open doors as a home to refugees displaced by war, persecution, rape or death in their homeland.

St. Albert dancers, Jana Dixon and Madison Hilton, both in their graduating year, will perform.

Edmonton Festival Ballet has not only performed at Unity in Diversity, but has been influenced by artists they met and have teamed up with them.

“A couple of years back we performed with the Command Sisters, Charlotte and Sarah. We were so inspired and impressed with them that we worked out a collaboration and performed a piece live to their song, Fly, for one of our gala performances,” said Edmonton Festival Ballet director Nancy Hamilton.

Fresh from summer studies in Austria, St. Albert pianist David Fraser will tickle the keys and sing a combined classical and contemporary repertoire.

A recent graduate of King’s University music program, Fraser also sings in Chronos and Pro Coro Connect. On the classical side, he will play composer Giovanni Allevi’s works.

“He has a very distinct sound to his music. It appeals to the classical ear yet has a jazz flavour. His harmonies are intriguing, but they also have a pop feel,” Fraser noted.

But just recently his passion for older pop – Billy Joel and Bruce Cockburn – has surfaced. To add a bit of spice to the evening, the 22-year-old will sing a couple of his favourite pop pieces.

And lastly The Project Saxophone Quartet led by kindred spirits Robin Doyon (Edmonton Symphony’s lead trumpeter) and Ray Baril (MacEwan University winds and brass section head) unleash some wicked solos and soulful cacophony.

All the above-mentioned groups are multi-talented and have joined forces to enrich our cultural experiences.

As Gillani put it, “We live in a clash of civilizations. We live in a clash of ignorance. We need to be open to appreciate each other in our music and arts instead of becoming stereotypes. This gives us an opportunity to celebrate the sound of human souls and give voice to hope rather than disturbance.”

Refreshments are served in Progress Hall after the concert.