Choirs recognize wartime sacrifices

Nanaimo - Choral performance commemorates Remembrance Day Saturday (Nov. 10) at St. Andrew’s United Church.

Members of Malaspina Choir visit Vancouver Island Military Museum to prepare for the commemorative Remembrance Day concert at St. Andrew's United Church Saturday (Nov. 10) 4 p.m.

Members of Malaspina Choir visit Vancouver Island Military Museum to prepare for the commemorative Remembrance Day concert at St. Andrew's United Church Saturday (Nov. 10) 4 p.m.

The voices of three choirs converge Saturday (Nov. 10) to remember the sacrifices soldiers and individuals make during times of war.

Nanaimo’s Malaspina Choir is joining Vancouver’s Chor Leoni and the Aspengrove Concert Choir for We Remember: Intonations of Immortality. The concert commemorates Remembrance Day.

“By bringing together the combined talents of a community choir, a semi-professional choir, we are nurturing the growth of choral art on the Island,” said Gary Froese, Malaspina Choir artistic director.

Malaspina Choir starts the performance with a selection of songs that harken back to the wartime era.

“We will be singing the popular songs that drew everybody together during wartime; songs that give us pause to contemplate the sacrifices made by so many individuals and families…(and) allow us to articulate our hopes for peace and understanding on so many levels,” said Froese.

Chor Leoni, directed by Diane Loomer, an award-winning semi-professional men’s choir from Vancouver performs during the second half of the concert with the Aspengrove Concert Choir.

The performance combines poetry and music to convey the feelings of grief, sorrow and joy during wartimes.

“This is an opportunity for us all to take some time in our busy lives to give expression of our thanks and our hopes,” said Froese. “Come sing with us, listen to the perspectives presented and recall songs that strengthened our society in times of need.”

We Remember: Intonations of Immortality is at St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St. at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults/$20 for seniors/$10 for students and are available at the Port Theatre office, located at 125 Front St., by calling 250-754-8550 or go to www.porttheatre.com.

People also have the option of purchasing a three concert package to see upcoming Malaspina Choir performances.  The other performances are Sing-along Messiah, Dec. 16 and Jubilate April. 7.

Nanaimo News Bulletin