O CANADA OUR HOME - British Columbia Boys Choir sings on Parliament Hill, July 1

O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs and Stories of Canada

45^th Anniversary - Cross-Canada Tour
With the British Columbia Boys Choir and Abbotsford Virtuosi
June 27 to July 27, 2014 in a location near YOU!

It’s a dream come true – as the British Columbia Boys Choir travels across Canada with their sensational new show O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs & Stories of Canada. One highlight for the Choir is singing on Parliament Hill for Canada Day 2014 during the noon-hour performances. The other - meeting people, performing in, and staying in communities across this great nation.  

It just seemed the appropriate thing for this internationally-renowned four-part secular boys’ choir to do - celebrate their 45^th Anniversary by travelling across their own country with their award-winning Artistic Director, Tony Araujo, and Associate Conductor, Edette Gagne, and guests, the Abbotsford Virtuosi violin ensemble, directed by Calvin Dyck. Members of the Choir and ensemble range in age from 10 to19, and come from Greater Vancouver communities and central Vancouver Island. They will be on the road for a whole month, singing and playing together in Montreal, Ottawa, Gros Morne National Park, Cornerbrook, Sydney Mines, Lunenburg, Charlottetown, Saint John, Toronto, Stratford, Huntsville, Wawa, Neepawa, Saskatoon and Banff before venturing back home through the Rockies.

 The Choir – Since its inception in 1968, the Choir has trained over 900 young singers (many of whom have become professional musicians and broadcasters) and has represented Canada around the globe. They have won the hearts of audiences everywhere and received acclaim in the Netherlands, Europe, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, China, South America, the United States - and Canada. Says Araujo; “It’s such a wonderful opportunity and fantastic cultural experience for these young artists to perform Canadian choral music across our own great nation – visiting each province, from sea to sea.” 

 

 The Abbotsford Virtuosi – This string ensemble was established in 2000 by violinist and conductor Calvin Dyck to provide youth with opportunities to learn a broad range of orchestral repertoire, and to perform in public – with virtuosity - and fun! Their highly successful Songs Strings & Steps concerts create an arts experience that delights audiences and inspires youth to reach for the stars. Says Dyck, “This is the longest and biggest tour we have done and my youngest violinist has said, ‘I’m so EXCITED … I can’t wait!’”

 

O CANADA OUR HOME is a highly entertaining performance filled with soul stirring and spine-tingling songs and music, brilliant choreography, heart-felt poetry, stories, costumes and surprises – all about Canada. Says Executive Director, Margot Holmes, “The goal for this show and tour is to celebrate Canada, this great country, the people, cultures and traditions - through songs and stories. Tony and Calvin have picked great music, from popular Canadian favourites and less familiar songs to choreographed string numbers. We are even dramatizing the poem We Are More by BC’s Shane Koyczan who presented it during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.”

The Music includes choral favourites from across Canada, composed by Canadians, like Northwest Passage, Song for the Mira, I’se the B’y, This is My Home, Song for Canada, Wood River, J’entends le Moulin, and Frobisher Bay. The Choir will also premiere the newly commissioned piece, Go into the Glory of the Woods by Vancouver composer Brian Tate. The Abbotsford Virtuosi will accompany the Choir throughout then take the stage with the energetic, toe-tapping, choreographed Prairie Swing, Nickel Rag, Canticle for an Angel – and more!

Tickets: check your local media for locations and tickets for this exciting and not-to-be-missed truly Canadian concert.

For more information visit www.bcboyschoir.org  - Inspiring Excellence!

 

A Song to Remember - 45th Anniversary Memoirs of the British Columbia Boys Choir

A Song to Remember – 45^th Anniversary Memoirs
Featuring the Voices of the British Columbia Boys Choir
 

Launched at the British Columbia Boys Choir’s 45^th Anniversary Gala at the Chan Centre in Vancouver, “A Song to Remember” is a unique compilation of memories and moments presented like a song, with a Score (Table of Contents) and Verses (Chapters), and with contributions from ‘Boys’ (old and young), families, music directors, board members, management, hosts and friends. Alumni who have contributed include: Peter Strummer, international opera singer; Fraser Walters of The Tenors; Peter Togni, broadcaster, musician and composer; Alessandro Juliani, actor, singer, composer; and professional musicians like Frankie Cena, Cameron Haney, Peter Alexander, Jason Cook, Tom Dobrzanski, Jason Nett, and Barry Rector. The book is filled with quotes from interviews, various archival documents, newsletters, articles and newspaper reviews.   

“(The audience) clapped lustily from the start, and the closing number brought them happily to their feet.”  - Max Wyman, Sun Music Critic, June 19, 1969.

Says author Rosemary Phillips, “What better voice to tell their story than that of the Choir itself. This is their song - in words and pictures.”

“The choir kept attracting some of the most amazing boys from all over the city undoubtedly drawn by the prospect of not only singing but also travelling.” - Barry Rector, Alumni, Professional Musician, Retired Teacher.

A Song to Remember is the story of a Choir that started as one man’s dream in 1968 and evolved into a harmonious musical instrument that continues to perform a demanding repertoire from Gregorian chant to contemporary music. The Choir has trained over 900 boys and toured extensively around the world representing British Columbia and Canada. From small concert halls and churches to massive cathedrals and auditoriums the Choir, like a pebble in a pond, has sent ripples around the world and affected lives through their voice, songs, presence and positive influences passed on to communities wherever they have performed. They have won not only the hearts of audiences everywhere but received acclaim throughout Canada, the Netherlands, the United States, Europe, Russia, Czech Republic, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, China and South America.

“Maturing as a young man is an important part of your life, and to have a mentor to help you through that time is very important.”  – Fraser Walters, Professional Singer, Chanticleer, now with The Tenors.

A Song to Remember follows the Choir and its members on their journey, adventures and antics from the Choir’s inception in 1968 with illustrious founding director Donald Forbes and their unforgettable tour behind the Iron Curtain in 1969, to their popularity in Holland, the voice change (rite of passage), traditions, recordings, changing times, transitions with award-winning directors Gerald van Wyck and Tony Araujo, and, like any non-profit organization, the many challenges of keeping it all together over the years. Most importantly, A Song to Remember tells of how the Choir has not just been about the music, but the experience that influenced each boy’s future life and career as businessman, lawyer, designer, bus drive, professional musician, broadcaster, composer, recording engineer and arts administrator, to name a few professions.

“From treble to bass, from boy to man, from innocent to dare-I-say worldly! Such was the journey I took as a member of the Boys Choir for the near-decade (’83-’92) that I was proud to be a member.” - Alessandro Juliani, Actor, Singer, Composer and Sound Designer

 

Published by Reikos International Publishers, A Song to Remember is available through www.bcboyschoir.org and at all concerts as the Choir, directed by Tony Araujo, begins their 45^th Anniversary cross-Canada tour from June 27 to July 26 with their show O Canada Our Home – Songs & Stories of Canada – highlighted by singing ‘O Canada’ on Parliament Hill for the Canada Day 2014 noon show.

For more information and to order copies ($32 plus shipping) phone the BC Boys Choir office at 1-888-909-8282 or visit online www.bcboyschoir.org - Inspiring Excellence!

 

Celebrate 20! An Awesome Party - with the Vancouver Island Symphony

Celebrate 20!
The Vancouver Island Symphony launches their 20^th Anniversary Season
An Awesome Party!
Celebrating 20 years of fantastic music
Season and single concert tickets available NOW!

 It’s “An Awesome Party!” as the Vancouver Island Symphony, winner of the 2012 City of Nanaimo Cultural award and a jewel in the world of professional orchestras, launches their 20^th Anniversary season and celebrates 20 years of great music, amazing musicians and wonderful audiences.

Says Pierre Simard, the VI Symphony’s illustrious artistic director, “Your Vancouver Island Symphony offers a year-round musical party… We glimpse at twenty extraordinary symphonic years with special guests, friends, family – all of which make VIS history. We also look enthusiastically into the future with gorgeous, inspiring and powerful concerts for all ages! It is the most meaningful season we have ever had.”

 Be prepared for wonderful music that satisfies every taste - from Timeless Treasures of the great classics and two world premieres, to Popular Pleasures with familiar favourites – and extra-special concerts and community events.

Timeless Treasures - Says Simard, “This series features audience favourites, outstanding soloists and delightful music.” The party begins on Saturday, October 25 with ‘Celebrate with Tetsuumi and Elgar.’ Nanaimo native, protégé and virtuoso violinist Tetsuumi Nagata comes home to perform one of the best known of all violin concertos while the orchestra presents “Fanfare” by Simard and “Enigma Variations” by Elgar. On Wednesday, November 12, the VI Symphony presents a special Remembrance Day show, ‘Lest We Forget’ featuring our friends to the South, the Victoria Symphony and the Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipe and Drum Band. Then on Saturday, November 22, in ‘Mozart & Friends,’ the VI Symphony performs music that builds with grace from Elgar and Vaughan Williams to Mozart’s “Requiem”, his magnificent final masterpiece. Here the orchestra is joined by the Pacific Spirit Choir, A Capella Plus, The Island Consort and soloists. On Saturday, January 31, popular Canadian pianist Ian Parker returns to perform Mozart’s “Piano Concerto no. 20” in ‘Friendship: Ian & Beethoven.’ Also featured is the world premiere of “Mix Tape” by Nanaimo native and past composer-in-residence, Jason Nett. The concert concludes with Beethoven’s most excellent “Symphony no. 7.” Then it’s ‘From Pierre with Love’ on Saturday, April 18, with the VIS Symphonic Choir. Says Simard, “Here is my 20^th Anniversary gift – music which I deeply cherish!” From the sounds of gracious flowing waters, to the world premiere of a cello concerto by Vancouver composer Dorothy Chang, performed by Ariel Barnes, to the rousing close of the season with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture - what a party!

Popular Pleasures - Trumpets and horns herald in Nanaimo’s traditional VI Symphony Family Christmas with ‘A Festive Brassy Christmas’ on Saturday, December 13. The orchestra is joined by Festive Brass, the VIS Symphonic Choir and the newly formed Symphonic Children’s Choir (open to Grades 5-8) for an exciting program of soul-stirring music that is near and dear to all, from the familiar and traditional to delightful surprises. Soprano Nadya Blanchette and tenor Ken Lavigne team up on Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day) for ‘He Sings, She Sighs – A Romantic Comedy,’ an original one-of-a-kind show featuring charm, passion, seduction and humour as they sing love songs and duets. Then, at last! On Saturday, March 21, ‘Tonight… Piaf’ arrives on stage with a full orchestra in this premiere performance that stars Nanaimo’s very own Joëlle Rabu. Says Simard, “Our Popular Pleasures series conveys everything love and friendship, home and heart, with eternal songs and beloved melodies.”

Special Events – The VI Symphony is also about community, and the party continues with VI Symphony extra-special events, from school shows featuring Rick Scott in “My Symphony” to the “2^nd Annual Nanaimo Bar NONE” on March 14, produced by Calvin Dyck and showcasing scrumptious Nanaimo talent. And not to forget – Symphony Community Days on October 25 and April 18.

Get the best seats now! – Season and single concert tickets are on sale NOW! With the purchase of a package of all eight season concerts, or the Timeless Treasures series of five shows, or the Popular Pleasures series of three shows, the Vancouver Island Symphony offers up to 45% off the regular single ticket price. Call the Port Theatre Ticket Centre at 250-754-8550 to book your symphony tickets now!

Happy 20^th! Come Celebrate with us! Experience the thrill of live symphonic music!

It’s An AWESOME Party!

For more information visit www.vancouverislandsymphony.com.

Celebrate 20! Keeping Music LIVE!

 

O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs and Stories of Canada

Bon Voyage Concerts
O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs & Stories of Canada
45^th Anniversary - Cross-Canada Tour
With the British Columbia Boys Choir

and the Abbotsford Virtuosi

Friday, June 20, 7:30 p.m., St. John’s Shaughnessy Church, 1490 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver
(Tickets: $25, Students & Children $14, available by calling 1-888-909-8282 and at the door)
Saturday, June 12, 7 p.m., South Abbotsford Church, 32424 Huntingdon Road, Abbotsford
(Tickets: $20, at House of James, King’s Music, and at the door)
Sunday, June 22, 3 p.m. at the Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo
(Tickets: $25, Students & Children $14, at 250-754-8550 and www.porttheatre.com )

 
Presenting “Bon Voyage Concerts” - a traditional send-off that carries as much excitement in 2014 as it did in 1969 when the British Columbia Boys Choir prepared for its first big tour. This summer, to celebrate their 45^th Anniversary, the Choir, with members ages 10-19 from Greater Vancouver communities and central Vancouver Island, is travelling across the country with their special guests, the Abbotsford Virtuosi violin ensemble, in a sensational new show - O CANADA OUR HOME - Songs & Stories of Canada.

Three concerts are scheduled for British Columbia – Friday, June 20, 7:30 p.m. at St. John Shaughnessy Church, 1490 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver; Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. at the South Abbotsford Church, 32424 Huntingdon Road, Abbotsford; and on Sunday, June 22 (3 p.m.) at the Port Theatre, 125 Front Street, Nanaimo. Fans can check out this great new show and help give these highly talented and excited youngsters a big BC send-off as they begin their month-long journey of a life-time – singing and playing together in Montreal, Ottawa, Gros Morne National Park, Cornerbrook, Sydney Mines, Lunenburg, Charlottetown, Saint John, Toronto, Stratford, Huntsville, Wawa, Neepawa, Saskatoon and Banff before venturing home through the Rockies.

The Choir – since its inception, has trained over 900 young singers and represented Canada around the globe, winning the hearts of audiences everywhere and receiving acclaim in the Netherlands, Europe, Russia, New Zealand, Australia, China, South America, the United States - and Canada. Says award-winning Artistic Director Tony Araujo; “It’s such a wonderful opportunity and fantastic cultural experience for these young artists to perform Canadian choral music across our own great nation – visiting each province, from sea to sea.” 

The Abbotsford Virtuosi – was established in 2000 by violinist and conductor Calvin Dyck to provide youth with opportunities to learn a broad range of orchestral repertoire and perform in public – with virtuosity - and fun! Their highly successful Songs Strings & Steps concerts create an arts experience that delights audiences and inspires youth to reach for the stars. Says Dyck, “This is the longest and biggest tour we have done and my youngest violinist has said, ‘I’m so EXCITED … I can’t wait!’”

O CANADA OUR HOME – is a highly entertaining performance filled with soul stirring and spine-tingling songs and music, brilliant choreography, heart-felt poetry, stories, costumes and surprises – all about Canada. Says Executive Director, Margot Holmes, “The goal for this show and tour is to celebrate Canada, this great country, the people, cultures and traditions - through songs and stories. Tony and Calvin have picked great music, from popular Canadian favourites and less familiar songs to choreographed string numbers. We are even dramatizing the poem We Are More by BC’s Shane Koyczan who presented it during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.”

The Music – includes choral favourites from across Canada by Canadian composers - Northwest Passage, Song for the Mira, I’se the B’y, This is My Home, Song for Canada, Wood River, J’entends le Moulin, and Frobisher Bay. The Choir will also premiere the newly commissioned piece, Go Into the Glory of the Woods by Vancouver composer Brian Tate. The Abbotsford Virtuosi will accompany the Choir throughout then take the stage with Prairie Swing, Nickel Rag, Canticle for an Angel – and more!

Tickets - for July 20 in Vancouver are $25, students & children $14, available by calling 1-888-909-8282 and at the door; for July 21 in Abbotsford are $20, available at House of James, King’s Music, and at the door; and for July 22 in Nanaimo are $25, students & children $14, by calling 250-754-8550.

 For more information visit bcboyschoir.org  - Inspiring Excellence!