Previous Concerts
A sampling of some of our previous musical exploits and adventures.....
With a concert of hope and encouragement, You Do Not Walk Alone follows on the success of their previous concert All Things Work Together For Good, and continues their focus on favourite sacred, spiritual, and inspirational pieces. There was a variety of genres from renaissance composer Byrd's "Agnus Dei" from the epic Mass for Five Voices, to jazz-inspired setting of Afro-American poet Gaia Willis-Owen's Oh How Beautiful This Finely Woven Earth. Nancy René's beautiful prayer Saviour, Guide Us provides comfort to a weary soul. The a cappella first half finished with a rousing arrangement of the medieval chart-topping tune Gaudete Christus Est Natus. Composers Pergolesi and Vivaldi represented the Baroque connection, as well as two ethnic tunes, one German, Jesus, Good Above All Other, and the Hebrew He Is Jehovah, a crowd favourite which gets wildly faster and faster! The concert also included some very special tributes to honour choir members who have passed - doing this by permanently retiring their choir repertoire number. Framed certificates commemorating each one honoured were provided to family members. The choir sang a special arrangement of the beautiful Where I Am by Philip Stopford to conclude the tributes. The concert ended with the title song, You Do Not Walk Alone by new award-winnipeg composer, Elaine Hagenberg, whose works will be performed later this summer at the Vatican. Our three soloists, Yanna Courtney, Jonathan Pear, and Richard Smith, gave passionate performances, along with our guest Oboist, Sherry Bonness. Joining the choir once again was beloved Pianist/Organist Wes Elias. Concert artwork created by Photoleap A.I.
Go for Baroque was the inaugural concert of the Artistic Director's new ensemble, Baroque Life Ensemble, made up of local university players, professionals, and advanced students. The concert began with selections from Purcell's Abdelazer, and Handel Overtures to Belshazzar, Judas Maccabeus, and Solomon, including "The Arrival of The Queen of Sheba". The ensemble then teams up with ReSound! for a complete performance of Bach's Cantata Aus der Tiefen rufe ich, Herr, zu dir, BWV 131, his setting of Psalm 130. Soloists were Michael Kurek (Bass), Robert Hermann (Counter-Tenor), and Cheryl Gork (Soprano). Concertmaster was Aimee Warkentin. The Sabathil & Son harpsichord from which Mr. Vanderput leads is generously provided by Eric Lussier. Barb Hicks provided the artwork, layout and design.
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After being silent for two-and-a-half-years, ReSound! was thrilled to sing for their audiences once more! After re-grouping, the choir forged ahead with All Things Work Together For Good, focussing on favourite sacred and spiritual pieces, both a cappella, and accompanied repertoire. Highlights included sacred and secular madrigals by Donato, Croce, and Dowland, especially a delightful madrigal arrangement of Can't Buy Me Love. Soloist Lois Litz, gave a moving performance in O Come and Mourn (Hopson), and Pergolesi's Teach, Me Lord was especially dramatic with organ and oboe! Even the Artistic Director joined in the fun playing a special piano duet arrangement of "Jesu' Joy of Man's Desiring" (Bach). On a more serious note, John Tanner gave an impassioned rendering of the Ukrainian national anthem, followed by a performance of Bach's famous "Sicilienne", arranged for Piano and Oboe, as a lament for our suffering brother and sister musicians and artists in the Ukraine. Among some lively, jazzy pieces, the concert ended with a warmly hopeful Bridge Over Troubled Water. The ensemble was joined by guest musicians Wes Elias (Pianist/Organist), and Sherry Bonness (Oboe). Concert artwork provided by Adobe Creative Commons.
ReSound!'s 25th Anniversary Season concludes with our ongoing appearance at this incredible bi-ennial event: Immaculate Conception Church & Grotto of Cooks Creek Medieval Festival, Saturday, July 25, 2020. The choir has been singing at this spectacular fundraiser since 2006, and is a highlight of the calendar each even-numbered year. We become roving minstrels and entertain the loyal subjects of the King of the Festival, in costume, singing madrigals outside in the grounds, and sacred renaissance music inside the church at 3:30pm. The event runs from Noon to 4pm, and a pass for the Saturday afternoon is $20 for adults; children 6-12 are $10; preschoolers are Free. Come and have fun, enjoying music, folk dancing, chivalry, and food, as well as full contact jousting, heavy combat in armour, archery, the merchants marketplace, woodworking, metalworks, human chess tournament, puppet show, kids games, and much more! We will see you there, and don't forget to dress the part!
UPDATE: Due to government health restrictions,
the Medieval Festival has been postponed until further notice.
Founded in 1994 by Julian Vanderput, ReSound! (originally the Manitoba Sacred-Music Choir) has performed both small and large major works of sacred music for delighted audiences in Manitoba and Europe. The concert will include repertoire from some of our most popular concerts of Rutter, Scarlatti, Bach, Mozart, Palestrina, Distler, Dowland, gospel & jazz arrangements, psalms, hymns, and spirituals. Choir friends Wes Elias (Pipe Organ) and Sherry Bonness (Oboe) appear as special guest artists. The 25th Anniversary Gala Concert will celebrate ReSound!'s past and present, singing favourites of the choir and audiences over the last 25 years, as well as new musical gems. Saturday, May 30, 2020, 7pm., St. Andrews River Heights United Church.
UPDATE: Due to government health restrictions, the Anniversary Gala Concert has been postponed until May 2025.
ReSound! is proud to support this worthy organization in an important community cause of advancing child literacy. The event is free, with prizes, silent auction, live entertainment, and games! Bring the whole family. ReSound! will be entertaining with a programme of lively madrigals at 3:30pm. Please come out and support Share the Magic's 2nd Annual Family Literacy Fun Day, Sunday, March 1, 2020, Noon to 4pm, Lord Roberts Community Centre, 725 Kylemore Ave.
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ReSound!'s 25th Anniversary Season starts off with their annual guest appearance at the Festival of Carols held at the Immaculate Conception Church &
Grotto of Cooks Creek, Sunday, December 1, 2019, 7pm. It is an honour and privilege to have been singing at this event since 2005, in this historic Ukrainian Catholic Church, from this devoted, hardworking, and charitable community. The event is hosted by the Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church & Choir, Directors Darcia Senft & Scott Chabluk, with Director Emeritus Meron Chabluk. Other guests at this year's Festival are the Oak Bank United Church Choir (Director Linda Rodgers), soloist Tsungai Muvingi, and the Springfield Collegiate Institute Chamber Ensemble (Conductor Greg Crowe). ReSound!'s a cappella repertoire will be Ding Dong, Merrily On High (arr. Charles Wood); There Is No Rose of Such Virtue (J. Vanderput, world premiere), The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (arr. Stephen Hatfield); The Lamb (John Tavener); Gaudete Christus Natus Est (arr. J. Vanderput); and Lully, Lulla, Lullay (Philip Stopford). A small entrance fee is payable, with all proceeds towards local Christmas charities. Reception to follow.
And Still We Sing was the 15th anniversary concert of ReSound! and featured choir and audience favourites of many years, including music by Craig Cassils, Byrd, Mozart, Victor Paranjoti, Shaker and Sacred Harp hymns, traditional Buddhist chants, traditional spirituals, selections from Eleanor Daley's Requiem, selections from Sid Robinovitch's Talmud Suite, along with fun, upbeat pieces, Working With Joy by Larry Nickel, Three-Minute Messiah, and O Sifuni Mungu (Swahili), and the great, noble song Non Nobis Domine by Patrick Doyle from the film Henry V. Appreciations were presented to several of the long-standing members of the of choir and crew, as well as supporters and sponsors of the ensemble from the community. Artwork and design created by Melanie Gagnon.
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This special concert, HeartSong, brought the choir to its roots, featuring spirituals Ride Up In The Chariot, Jesus Met The Women at The Well, Deep River, Drinkin' of The Wine, Home In d'Rock; hymns, featuring Shaker hymns, and All People That On Earth Do Dwell arranged by R. Vaughn Williams, All Creatures of Our God and King, Now Thank We All Our God, both arranged by John Rutter; and finally, psalms, featuring Salmo 150 by Ernani Aguiar, Laudate Jehovam by G.P. Telemann, The Lord Is My Light and Salvation by Rutter, and a complete performance of the Nine Psalm Tunes for Archbishop Parker's Psalter of 1567 by Thomas Tallis. The ensemble is joined by a brass ensemble with Rachel Donnelly, Jeni Taylor, Stormy Allen, Darren Fife, Kevin McLean, Victoria Howe, Taylor Hanson, organist Wes Elias, and string members of the Baroque Life Ensemble: Anna Hughes, Heather Stewart, Landon Seesahai, Evan Joyal, and percussionist Alain Guilmette. Artwork provided by Melanie Gagnon.
Sacred Show Tunes III: The Last Supper, the final instalment in this concert series, featured a wide array of music from movies and musicals that will make you laugh and cry, from off-the-wall campy, to deeply serious, to maybe a wee bit schmaltzy. The concert was presented awards ceremony-style "a-la-Oscars", with the choir performing the winning selection announced in each "category". The audience can use the nominees listed in the programme to pick their favourites to win. Starting with the 20th Century Fox Fanfare, music from Carl Orrf's Carmina Burana, Superman, Touched By An Angel, Mozart's Requiem, Cold Mountain, a medley from Godspell, Exodus, Amazing Grace, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Chicken Run, The Singing Nun, Star Wars. and Come Sunday by Duke Ellington. A stunning conclusion to a fun-filled series! Musicians for the "Awards Orchestra" were Baroque Life Ensemble members Anna Hughes, Heather Stewart, William Barr, Nick Turner, Simon Trygstad, Martha Geown, Sherry Bonness, David Whitfield, Landon Seesahai, Evan Joyal, with specialguests: Victoria Howe (Clarinet), Will Bonness (Piano), Wes Elias (Organ), Mike Partyka (Guitar), Emilie Braun (Bass), Alain Guilmette (Timpani), and Taylor Hanson (Percussion). Barb Hicks provided our artwork.
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ReSound! Rivals showcased the choir's more theatrical side. Mozart (Julian Vanderput) and Salieri (Michael Kurek) are competing for a position in the Queen's court as Director of Music, thus each presenting a major work to "audition", in order to win her favour and secure the post. The Queen will ultimately ask for her royal court's advice (the audience) on whom to select, but through it all, the glorious music of Salieri and Mozart takes centre stage, accompanied by Wes Elias on the Casavant pipe organ at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church. Who will win her favour? "Mozart" presented his Vesperæ solennes de confessor, K. 339. "Salieri" presented his Mass No. 1 in D Major. And who won, you ask?? No spoilers here – this royal court doesn't gossip! Barb Hicks created the whimsical artwork.
The Da Vinci Project: Musical Masterpieces of Mystery in 2007 was an intriguing concert. Ancient art has a specific inner content. Art once possessed the same purpose books do now: to transmit knowledge. Once, very few people read, or even less, wrote anything down or were even literary. They incorporated their knowledge into works of art. We would find many ideas in the works of ancient art passed down to us, if only we knew how to read them. World-renowned authors Scott Mariani, Dan Brown, Raymond Khoury, have done very well with this concept in their fictional historical-conspiracy epic drama crime-thriller novels. ReSound! presents a concert on a similar theme, with a complete performance of Missa Maria Magdelena by Orlando di Lasso; works by Bach that uncover hidden hymn melodies; music by John Dowland, whom many musicologists consider to be Elizabeth I's lute-playing European "spy" as he travelled across Europe, spirituals indicating covert messages of where the 'freedom train' to Canada could be found, and other "mysterious" selections. Guest artists were the brilliantly talented Luke Nickel (Flute), and Reegan Hirose (Violin). Barb Hicks created our themed artwork.
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This concert took a humorous look at our sacred selves. After all the serious music ReSound! performs, how could we not laugh? Being musically funny takes a different kind of skill. Timing is everything! The musicians had a real challenge with this repertoire, but what a hoot in preparing it! Spirituals Go Down Moses, and Jonah In The Belly are always popular favourites. Is Satan after you for dessert? Shut De Dō by Randy Stonehill has the answer! Not enough time for the complete three-and-a-half-hour Handel's Messiah? What about a Three Minute Messiah arranged by Peter Gritton instead? Bach is having a difficult time resolving issues in Deconstructing Johann by Daryl Runswick. The gals had wonderful fun in the Sister Act Medley, and 3 different kinds of cymbals were used by the Artistic Director in Praise God With Cymbals composed by Allen Pote. There's even a "requiem" for dead insects, and other pieces which brought a smile and a laugh. Soloists were Larry Strachan, Tim Friesen, Kathy Tang, Aubrey Hemminger, Melanie Gagnon, Roberta McLean, and Joseph Backstrom. The final work on the program was a complete performance of Missa Hilarious by P.D.Q. Bach. How could we resist an orchestration that requires Abyssinian nose flutes?? The Baroque Life Ensemble, and the special guest soloists were incredible: Bargain-Counter Tenor: P.J. Buchan, and Basso-Blotto: Bryan Lopuck, with Angels: Gerri Cooper & Barb Hicks. Artwork provided by Barb Hicks.
The Wanted: Composers, Dead or Alive concert was a fun celebration of the composers who write the music we sing. Different composer "REWARD" handbills were hidden around the venue. If any audience member found one, they held on to it, and when called for that particular composer, won a prize! Glorious music for this concert included Bach's Cantata No. 131, Tchaikovsky's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Sir Parry's Blest Pair of Sirens, Mozart's Veni Sancte Spiritus, Rossi's Elohim Hashivaynu, Fauré, Pergolesi, Rossini, M. Hogan, R. Dillworth, and Rutter's Te Deum, E. Whitacre, J. Tavener, M. Lauridsen, along with local composers Larry Strachan, Anthony Niiganii, and J. Vanderput presenting world premieres, including a special world premiere of B.C. composer Glenn Sutherland's The Great Sea. Guest musicians for this concert were Linda Fearn (Pipe Organ), and Helen Bergen (Pipe Organ). Barb Hicks provided our "wanted" artwork.
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The first half of Songs of Sanctuary is a quiet reflection with songs and poetry of different faiths, featuring music by Pepper Choplin, Greg Wheatley, Dupré, Tom Fettke. In the second half, ReSound! presents a dramatic rendition of Songs of Sanctuary by Karl Jenkins. For this award-winning spiritual masterpiece (featuring "Adiemus"), K. Jenkins created a unique "language" using syllables found in over a 100 cultures. Through it all, the universal message of love is profoundly sung. Joining ReSound! to perform this great work will be instrumentalists, percussionists, and friends providing their musical cultural diversity. Organist/Pianist for this concert was Tanis Kolisnyk, with Anthony Niiganii (First Nations Flute, Recorder), and Karen Mallory (Bells). Guest musicians were Nicholas Kolisnyk, Rafael Reyes, and Pancho Puelles (Percussion). Barb Hicks created our artwork.
The Sacred Spheres ReSound! at the Manitoba Legislative Building Rotunda concert was another opportunity to sing in this building's extraordinary acoustic. A careful selection of music designed for such a space was the order of the day! A complete program of a cappella music from some of our previous concerts, including music by Hildegard von Bingen, Tallis, Gibbons, arrangements of spirituals and gospels, Sid Robinovitch's Talmud Suite, and another opportunity for a complete performance of three choir favourites: Missa Seraphica by Vittoria R. Aleotti, Byrd's complete Mass for Five Voices, and Miserere, Mei Deus (Psalm 51) by Allegri. Soloists were Lara Ciekiewicz, Ilona Bartsch, Robert Hermann, Mark Havens, Larry Strachan, Johann Richert. Special guest artist was the recorder ensemble The Spitunes. Art layout and design by Barb Hicks. Photo credit: Ian McCausland.
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Sing-A-Long ShowTunes was one of ReSound!'s many fundraisers. This one for the United Church social justice efforts, held at Churchill Park United Church, the audience participated in a variety of show tunes, from Oliver, Fiddler On The Roof, Brigadoon, The Music Man, Annie, Show Boat, Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, Pirates of Penzance, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, West Side Story, Dr. Zhivago, A Little Night Music, Hair, and Sound of Music. Food was great, the silent auction popular, and the fundraiser successful! Soloists were Henry Redekop, Gerri Cooper, Larry Strachan, Dorothy Warwaruk, Jonathan Pear, Roberta McLean. Thanks to Barb Hicks for creating our artwork and sing-a-long sheets.
This was a special project of Artistic Director/Founder Julian Vanderput. Historically, women as composers were considered unusual and often unwelcome. Now we showcase some of the brilliance and ingenuity of women composers through the centuries. Represented are Hildegard von Bingen, a performance of Vittoria Raphaela Aleotti's Missa Seraphica (newly reconstructed), Wilhelmine von Bayreuth (Princess of Prussia), Clara Schumann, Natalie Sleeth, Dr. Christie-McAllister, Carol Cymbala, Kathy Powell, Twila Paris, Nancy M. René, and Babbie Mason. The concert ended with a complete performance of Requiem by Canadian Eleanor Daley. Soloists were Barb Hicks, Mark Palmer, Kendra Stefanson, Jonathon Neufeld, Dorothy Warwaruk, Henry Redekop, Roberta McLean, Michael Kurek, and Margaret Ciekiewicz. Special guest artists were Donna Bain (Sign Language Interpreter), Penny Mead (Oboe), Elena Levina (Piano), Masterworks dancers (Natasha Glatz, Jeremy Grisim, Jen James, Danielle Resch), and Deborah Smythe (Violin). Barb Hicks provided our special artwork.
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How lucky we are to live in a multicultural centre like Winnipeg, experiencing cultures, languages, foods, and faiths from all over the world! Understanding others helps us strengthen our own appreciation of the world's diversity, rather than fear it. This concert, Sacred Path to Enlightenment, takes the audience around the globe exploring sacred music of different faith traditions. ReSound! sings a Micma'q Honour Song, an exuberant rendition of Turn The World Around from the West Indies, a secular humanist anthem One Mind, One Heart, One Hope; Baruch Atah Adonai (Psalm 80) from renaissance composer Salamone Rossi, traditional songs from Senegal, a Dravidian Dithyramb by India composer Victor Paranjoti, and a Buddhist mantra Gate, Gate. From Singapore, Dragon Dance by Leong Yoon Pin, along with Amish hymns, and traditional spirituals. Special Guest Musicians were Andrew St. Hilaire (Piano), Henry Zacharias (Percussion), and Asmara Polcyni (Djun Djun). Barb Hicks created our artwork.
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That 6O's Show is but one of many fundraisers ReSound (and MS-MC) have performed as part of its mandate. This one was a real blast from the past, singing music of The Nylons, The Byrds, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Manhattan Transfer, The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkel, Fr. Carey Landry, Roberta Flack, Roger Whittaker, and favourites from Godspell. It was a fundraising dinner for The Churchill Park United Church Youth Group's "Above and Beyond Stewardship Campaign". Very much appreciated the Stewardship and the Fellowship Committees for preparing the delicious dinner! The guest musicians for this concert were far out! Ian "Licks" Lodewyks, Lead Guitar; Mike "Cool" Diehl, Bass Guitar; Sean "Bam Bam" Johnston, Drums; Tanis "Smiles" Kolisnyk, Piano/Alto; Eric "Groovy" Warwaruk, Guitar. Barb Hicks created our artwork.
Sacred Showtunes, (and subsequent concerts in this series), was one of the ensemble's most popular of sacred music appearing in movies, musicals, opera, and TV. Sometimes spiritual music occurs in the most surprising moments in the most unsuspecting films! This concert featured sacred music and other instrumental favourites from Chariots of Fire, Children of A Lesser God, What's Opera, Doc?, Titanic, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Exodus, Schindler's List, Henry V, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and several others. The choir was destined to perform this concert several more times in a variety of charitable capacities. Guest artists were Wes Elias (Pipe Organ), Heather Stewart and Anna Bond (Violins). Artwork graciously provided by Toppan Printing.
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This special 2002 concert was a 270th Anniversary Celebration in honour of the birth of Franz Joseph Haydn in 1732. It included a performance of the robust 3-movement Te Deum Laudamus for Empress Maria Theresa, and his well-known Missa in Augustiis ("Lord Nelson Mass"). The choir partnered with the University of Manitoba School of Music orchestra programme, and concertmaster Theodore Runsem. Soloists were Lara Ciekiewicz (Soprano), Annalise Reynolds (Alto), David Peters (Tenor), Nicholas Riley (Bass). Concert artwork was taken from an Imperial Proclamation of the Holy Roman Empire regarding music, issued by Emperor Joseph II in 1781 – graciously supplied by Dover Publications.
2001: A Choral Odyssey allowed the ensemble an opportunity to sing time-honoured choral classics, from composers like Bach (selections from Magnificat), Byrd, Mozart, John Rutter, Schubert, Haydn (selections from Creation), Duruflé, Willan, and others, with hymn arrangements for audience participation. It included special arrangements of gospel songs by Dawson, Appling, De Cormier, Calvert, Natalie Sleeth, and spirituals arranged by Kern. Guest artists were Leigh Karras (Treble), Penny Mead (Oboe), Barbara Strachan (Soprano), and Jonathan Bauch (Cello). Stellar artwork was provided by Darren Wall. In this concert, the ensemble celebrates the spiritual musical breath of life: God inspires the composers to create through their talent gifts – They write the music – They publish and sell the music – We purchase the music – We learn and sing the music – Through this, God is glorified, as we complete the circle by returning back to God what was God's to begin with.
The Canada 2000 concert was the choir's celebration of our multicultural diversity. It was our prayer the concert would be an audience encouragement, inspiring us to work together to recognize and realize equality for all. Cultures and languages represented were a selection of Ukrainian, Romanian, Brazilian, Métis, Finnish, Chinese, French, German, Filipino, Kenyan, and English. Repertoire included Cantique de Jean Racine, Op.11 (Fauré), Panis Angelicus (Franck), Lobet den Herren Alle Heiden, BWV335 (Bach), Hehroovemska (Bortniansky), O Praise the Lord (Willan), O Sifuni Mungu (Mwenbulongo & 'Yunu-Mukalay), and several others. Guest artists were Paulo Borges, Philip Wang, St. Edward's RC Church 10:30 Choir (Nimfa Arbilo, Director), Lara Ciekiewicz, Wallace LeClerc, and Bill Zonneveld. Michelle Barr and Julian Vanderput performed organ-piano duets of Sibelius, and Shaker hymns. Talented local artist Darren Wall produced our original artwork.
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In this concert, the choir delved into a cappella Renaissance music, a field of discipline for Artistic Director/Founder Julian Vanderput. The repertoire of this era requires a purity of intonation, and a robust technique to sing through the often long polyphonic, rhythmic, vocal lines. The vast output has been largely written for the Christian church, celebrating the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for God's creation, hence the title, Amazing Love. Repertoire included music from composers Prætorius, Tallis, Palestrina, des Prez, the ever-popular "Anonymous", and a complete performance of William Byrd's Mass for Five Voices. Special guest Manitoba Sacred Brass Ensemble, performed canzonas from Sacræ Symphoniæ by Giovanni Gabrieli. Minimal poignant artwork of Christ on the cross created by talented artist Darren Wall.
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The choir enjoys collaborating with local artists and talent, and at the Let Every Tongue Confess concert, presented an evening of Canadian works by Canadian composers. The choir was joined by soloists Andrea Otto, Chris Steenhoff, and Romy Wiebe, assisted by Conducting Scholar Dave Peters, and Michelle Barr (Pipe Organ); with special guest artist Lara Ciekiewicz (Soprano). Music included west coast composer Larry Nickel; as well as Ontario favourites Randy McHill and Richard Stonert; Manitoba composers Craig Cassils, and Leonard Enns, of the title song Let Every Tongue Confess, as well as his Psalm Cyklus. And of course, no patriotic concert would be replete without singing O Canada! The whimsical artwork for this concert provided by Darren Wall.
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After singing one of the pre-eminent serious works of the choral repertoire, Handel's Messiah, the Choir switches gears entirely with a concert of upbeat, contemporary music, including gospels and spirituals, in this concert entitled Joyful, Joyful. Music by B.C. composer Larry Nickel, selections from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat featuring the men of the Choir, Gospel songs arranged by D. Culross, traditional spirituals arranged by Mark Hayes, a wonderful medley from Sister Act featuring the women of the Choir, along with other a cappella pieces, and the title song, Joyful, Joyful, from Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit. Performed in a relaxed atmosphere at St. Alphonsus School, with fancy desserts during intermission, and afterwards, a fun, silent auction and raffle draw. Soloists were Karen Castelein, Heidi Poetker, Andréa L'Heureux, Peter Sywy, Marge Penner, Celoris Miller. Guests Artists were 3 Agree, Albright Women's Trio, Exaltation. Big Thanks to Darren Wall for the whimsical artwork.
After a successful sell-out first post-tour concert, the choir worked hard preparing for the ultimate goal of many a choral singer: performing Handel's Messiah. This performance was exceptional in that it was performed in its entirety (almost 3 and a half hours!). Artistic Director/ Founder Julian Vanderput felt the work required a 'revival' of sorts – i.e., a complete performance. Everyone is familiar with Part I (the Christmas story), the ending of Part II with the "Hallelujah!" chorus, as well as the final "Amen" in Part III, and a few popular solos in between, but often unfamiliar with the vast majority and overall vision of the work, usually because some 15 or so movements are traditionally cut. The renowned Manitoba Chamber Orchestra was sublime and passionate, with Hiroko Kagawa as Acting Concertmaster. The soloists were Melinda Enns, Soprano; Alastair Thomson, Treble; Christine Antenbring, Mezzo-Soprano; Rob Hermann, Counter-Tenor; Craig Johnson, Tenor; and Raymond Giesbrecht, Bass. Handel's ethos is brilliantly captured by artist Darren Wall.
After the inaugural concert and breathtaking tour of music and bonding together, the choir decided to continue singing. A group of 76 singers continued rehearsing in September 1995 for their first post-tour concert, A Choral Encounter of The Sacred Kind. St. Alphonsus RC Church, in East Kildonan, was selected as a venue because of its large seat capacity and phenomenal live acoustics. Repertoire included O. Gibbons, Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Bruckner, Duruflé, Rutter, along with arrangements of spirituals, gospel, and jazz. One highlight was a performance of William Byrd's Mass for Three Voices. Guest artists included the Praise Band from Albright Church, local singer-songwriter Janet Pledger, and Colin Redekop (Pipe Organ). The whimsical, original poster artwork was provided by talented artist Darren Wall.
This poster was for the Inaugural Concert of the Manitoba Sacred-Music Choir. It contained repertoire for the choir's upcoming European Tour (May 1995), and members of both the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, and University of Manitoba School of Music's Orchestra Programme, in a performance of J.S. Bach's Cantata No. 80, A Mighty Fortress is Our God ("Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott"). Soloists for the cantata were Marni Enns, Soprano; Catherine Robbins, Alto; Craig Johnson, Tenor; and, Kevin Young, Bass; Tanis Kolisnyk, Organist; with guest artists Lori Jede, Flute, and Nicole Ens, Harpsichord. Albright Evangelical Church was a wonderful venue, and the leadership there graciously accommodating to fit in all the singers, orchestra, and audience! Much thanks to Darren Wall for the original poster art.
