Rick Stiebel
News Staff
Peninsula Singers will celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday with a show that highlights the rich history and diversity of our country in music, dance and entertainment.
The event will feature a performance of The Chant and Peace song by Victoria composer Tobin Stokes, a 17th century song originally sung by Champlain’s men, and compositions by Gordon Lightfoot and Tom Cochrane. Cochrane’s Life is a Highway works as a metaphor for the musical journey across the country that is the show’s theme, said Virginia Watson-Rouslin, publicist for the Peninsula Singers.
Jim Kingham, the group’s master of ceremonies for the past 10 years, will introduce performances that include a special spotlight on young artists highlighted by the Cordova Bay Elementary School Choir. About 40 Grade 3, 4 and 5 students will take part, with a performance of Ice Cream, a popular tune from Anne of Green Gables, said teacher Lena Palermo, choir director for Cordova Bay Elementary.
“The kids are really excited to sing about something they love,” said Palermo, who took over as artistic director for the Peninsula Singers in January. “There’s some choreography involved as well, so it’s a little like musical theatre.”
The choir will also sing Power of the Dream, a David Foster composition, and do a couple of songs with the Peninsula Singers as well. “I’m looking forward to merging the two groups,” Palermo noted. “It should be very powerful and a great experience for both groups.”
The special guest artist is Steve Ivings, an actor, singer and comedian who has produced, directed and performed in nightclubs, hotels, stages and cruise ships throughout Canada and the U.S., including the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Dancers from the Veselka Ukrainian dance troupe and the Shan-e-Punjab troupe will entertain as well.
The performances take place at the Mary Winspear Centre at 2243 Beacon Ave. in Sidney on Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $13 for children. Visit marywinspear.ca or call 250-656-0275 to order tickets or for more information.
