For the first time in its nearly 35-year history, the BC Choral Federation’s Chorfest event is coming to Surrey.
From May 4 to 6, Pacific Academy (10238 168 St.) will host nearly 200 singers from throughout the province who will join the annual event organized by the BC Choral Federation in conjunction with two Lower Mainland choirs – the Coastal Sound Adult Choir and the Vancouver Orpheus Male Voice Choir.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Chorfest to Surrey,” said Willi Zwozdesky, executive director of the BC Choral Federation. “We have been hoping to host a Fraser Valley Chorfest for some time, and this year provided the perfect combination of host choirs and the right venue to make this happen. It will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the choral community in the Fraser Valley – which is steadily growing.”
Singers will work throughout the weekend with Dennis Coleman, the acclaimed conductor for the Seattle Men’s Chorus and the Seattle Women’s Chorus. The weekend will culminate with a concert at Surrey’s Chandos Pattison Auditorium (at Pacific Academy) on May 6 at 2:30 p.m.
The repertoire for this year’s event, called Chorfest 2012–Sweet n’ Hot, will be focused on sweet romance and hot jazz standards from about 1920-1950.
“This year’s Chorfest will be truly different from previous events,” said Michael Grice, conductor for the Coastal Sound Adult Choir. “Traditionally, Chorfest has featured classical or traditional choral repertoire. This time, the entire event will be dedicated to popular jazz music – it’s going to be challenging and a lot of fun.”
In addition to the usual mass choir format, this year’s event is offering a vocal jazz option. Up to 24 auditioned members will work with Réjean Marois from Capilano University’s Jazz Studies Program and perform their own repertoire.
“We are very fortunate to have two reputed conductors coming to work with our singers this year,” explained Liana Savard, music director for Vancouver Orpheus Male Voice Choir. “Both Réjean Marois and Dennis Coleman are integral parts of the amazing Pacific Northwest choral scene. We would be hard pressed to find better talent than this to offer to our Chorfest singers. I encourage everyone to come be a part of this amazing learning experience.”
Chorfest is an annual event held in May alternating locations within the Lower Mainland and outside of the Lower Mainland. Highlighting interesting and challenging works, the weekend event is specifically designed for amateur and community-based choral singers.
Singers of all levels and ability are invited.
For more information, including registration, visit www.chorfest2012.org or contact the BC Choral Federation 604-733-9687 or toll free 1-877-733-9688.
