From the music of Renaissance Cathedrals to the Kingdom of Spamelot, the Island Voices’ concert, “Piety and Variety” is sure to provide audiences with goosebumps and giggles, and all emotions in between. Love songs, work songs, spicy Latin rhythms, and even a little jazz, make this a program that will truly provide something for everyone.
The concert is scheduled for April 18 at 7 p.m. at the Maritime Heritage Centre, with a reception to follow. A second performance is set for April 19 at 7 p.m. at Comox United Church.
Part of the program features songs of Faith, but with an amazing diversity. Palestrina’s joyful “Exultate Deo” and the soaring harmonies of Bruckner’s “Ave Maria” are joined by two Spanish pieces – Basden’s luscious setting of “Que el Senor te bendiga y te proteja”, and Aguiar’s “ Salmo 150, perhaps more reminiscent of flamenco than hymnal.
The rhythmic excitement continues with a Moses Hogan arrangement of “Elijah Rock”. Even Bruce Cockburn joins this theme of faith; the men’s section will delight you with their version of “All the Diamonds”.
The theme of variety continues with many pieces that evoke pictures and moods. “Woodsmoke and Oranges”, “The Pasture”, and “I Dreamed of Rain” conjure images of nature and peace. The intricate harmonies of Whitacre’s “A Boy and a Girl” contrast with the sweet innocence of “Siepi, Che Gli Orti Vaghi”. We hear work songs “V’la l’bon Vent” and “Drunken Sailor”, and become part of an instrumental band in “Vox Cubana”. We hear of a mother’s love in “Tabula Rasa”, the competition of “The Song that Goes Like This”, and the sultry “Mood Indigo”.
Island Voices invites you to share these moments of “Piety and Variety”. Tickets for Campbell River are $18 for adults and can be purchased at the Visitor Information Centre. Tickets for Comox are $15 for adults and can be purchased at Laughing Oyster Books and Blue Heron Books. For both concerts, tickets for youth under 18 accompanied by an adult are free.
For more information call 250-285-3560 (Campbell River) or 250-337-8441 (Comox Valley), or visit www.islandvoiceschamberchoir.bc.ca.
