The Juno-nominated Canadian Chamber Choir will land in Alberta next month, making a return to Calgary for the first time since 2007 as well as an inaugural visit to Okotoks.
The 10-day tour kicks off on Feb. 17, uniting professional singers from all across Canada. The ensemble was formed in 1999 as an offshoot of the National Youth Choir of Canada, taking on a life of its own in 2001.
Along with acclaimed performances and recordings, the choir is known for presenting interactive workshops for all ages and stages, focusing on healthy, flexible singing while celebrating the spirit of Canadian choral traditions in building community.
The choir’s Okotoks concert, which will also feature the Foothills Philharmonic Chamber Chorus, is at Okotoks Alliance Church on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors.
A workshop, Vocal Spa Day with Dr. Julia Davids and the Canadian Chamber Choir, is also scheduled in Okotoks, set for Saturday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m. at Okotoks Alliance Church. Registration is $25.
“We’re very delighted to be performing with the Foothills Philharmonic Chamber Chorus and other singers during our first-ever visit to Okotoks,” said Davids.
Foothills Philharmonic artistic director Tim Korthuis has worked alongside the choir team to put together the afternoon workshop and evening concert.
“Fans of the Canadian Chamber Choir can expect to hear our usual wide variety of styles including favourite tracks from recent recordings, such as Joni Mitchell’s River and Gordon Lightfoot’s Song for a Winter’s Night,” said Davids, the choir’s artistic director. “There will truly be something for everyone.”
Regular supporters of Alberta’s choral community are likely to spot some familiar faces on the risers, as the Canadian Chamber Choir’s current touring roster features tenor Bill Hamm (Luminous Voices), soprano Catherine Lippitt (Spiritus Chamber Choir) and alto Sable Chan (Pro Coro Canada).
Throughout its tour, the choir will be in residence at Mount Royal University, working with singers and conductors. Additional engagements will involve workshops with Kantorei Choral Society and the Calgary Catholic School District.
The choir will also reunite with singers from Spiritus Chamber Choir, with whom they performed during their previous visit to Calgary in March 2007, to explore new repertoire and flexible vocal technique in a joint rehearsal.
Tickets and registration for all public events are available now. For more information and a full itinerary, visit canadianchamberchoir.ca.
