The Vernon Community Singers are putting the finishing touches to their spring concert, Classic to Country.
The event takes place April 15 at 7 p.m. and April 16 at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Church.
“The 130-plus voice choir will be singing a most enjoyable variety of music, from Brahms’ How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, traditional spirituals to an Oklahoma medley, and some country favourites,” said Molly Boyd, choir director.
The final song is an original five-part arrangement of Johnny Reid’s popular song, Today I’m Gonna Try and Change the World, which the choir considers to be their current theme song.
“These singers really do try and reach out to the community and make a difference,” said Boyd.
“Several thousand dollars in music scholarships, youth programs and other worthy projects have been given this year alone, from funds raised through their concerts.”
This year’s concert is in support of the North Okanagan Hospice Society.
“The choir also collects warm clothing year-round for the street people, and these are distributed by the Vernon Alliance Church,” said Boyd.
“As as well as these good deeds, the choir makes beautiful music. They sing from the heart and their spirit and enthusiasm are shared by each other and their audience.”
Highlighting this year’s concert are two guest performers.
“The first is 14-year-old pianist Colleen Venables, an extremely talented and gifted young musician who has won many awards in both piano and violin,” said Boyd.
“The second guest appearance is Some Other Time, a barbershop quartet featuring Paul Hunter, Dave Lewis, Rick Hembruch and Dan Briggs, first-place winners in the Evergreen District Novice Barbershop Competition.”
The concert accompanist is Marjorie Close.
Tickets are $10 while children are admitted free of charge. They are available at the Bean Scene, the Schubert Centre, from choir members or at the door.
