The four elements are about to be woven by a group of female vocalists and their esteemed leader when Tapestry performs in two concerts at Armstrong’s Centennial Theatre Monday.
Led by Deborah Mehes, a music specialist in the North Okanagan-Shuswap school district, Tapestry currently consists of 32 women who enjoy a diverse and unique variety of music.
Formed by Mehes, who also teaches at Len Wood Middle School, in 2006, Tapestry provides concerts both at Christmas and in the spring.
The theme for this season’s concert is the four elements –– earth, air, fire and water –– with each song reflecting some aspect of those elements, said Tapestry member Dorianne Kohl.
“From classic to jazzy, modern and romantic, the concert promises to provide something for everyone,” she said.
Mehes’ roots in choral music go back many years, and were the focus of her post secondary education while studying at the University of British Columbia, where she received her music degree in vocal performances.
After graduation, she worked as a professional backup vocalist and studio singer before becoming a teacher.
A founding member of Phoenix, one of Canada’s premiere vocal ensembles, Mehes also sang with the Vancouver Cantata Singers, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Little Mountain Singers, and Elektra women’s choir.
After 18 years teaching music in the Lower Mainland, Mehes and her family moved to Armstrong in 1997 to enjoy the benefits of living in a smaller community.
After starting her work with the school district, Mehes formed the North Okanagan-Shuswap Children’s Honour Choir, a group that went one to be one of only 50 children’s choirs worldwide invited to perform at a prestigious international festival of children’s choirs in Vancouver in 2001.
In 2002, Mehes was hired as a choral and music theatre specialist by the American International School in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and took a leave of absence from the school district to move with her family to South America.
After experiencing the excitement and challenges of a different culture, Mehes returned to Armstrong with her husband, Steve, in 2005, and says she plans to continue to share her passion for music as long as there are people who love to sing.
Tapestry takes the stage at the Centennial Theatre, 305 Pleasant Valley Rd., Monday at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7, available in advance at the Brown Derby Café in Armstrong (250-546-8221), or get them at the door.
