Via Choralis has announced its 2018-19 concert season and organizers are certain that the program will, once again, offer Peninsula residents a fabulous selection of amazing choral entertainment.
The choir is a mixed voice chamber choir under the artistic leadership of Nicholas Fairbank and has been in continuous operation since 1999. The troupe generally performs three or four concerts a year and all concerts take place at the beautiful St. Elizabeth’s Church on Third Street in Sidney.
The season will begin on November 11 when “In Remembrance” takes the stage to honour our veterans. The show will feature the works of Ottawa composer Gilles Leclerc, Kingston composer Mark Sirrett and the choir’s own artistic director, Nicholas Fairbank. Organizers have structured the program to not only honour our vets, but to promote peace and reconciliation between all people and nations.
On Sunday, December 16, Via Choralis combines with the 45-member Sooke Philharmonic Chorus, the Sooke Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and four fabulous soloists, in a performance of the iconic Handel’s Messiah. This masterpiece has inspired generations of music lovers and never fails to delight audiences.
On a lighter note, the first offering of 2019 will take place on Feb. 24 when “Eat Drink, and Be Musical” will tantalize the audience’s taste buds with choral selections about food and drink. Local producers will be on hand to provide tasty accompaniments to the music. The choir will perform a variety of selections by a range of composers, including Rameau, Ravenscroft, Rutter, Rich Campbell and Gene Puerling.
To wrap up the season, the choir will venture to the music of the British Isles with a program that will touch on the fol songs and sea shanties of Britain. The program will also include classical music and contemporary selections from Britain.
The concert will combine Via Choralis with guest instrumentalists and dancers.
The choir draws upon a roster of around 40 singers but Fairbank is always on the lookout for new members in all voice categories.
Rehearsals are every Monday evening at the Saanichton Bible Fellowship Church.
“We’re always looking for experienced choral singers,” said Fairbank.
Auditions for the choir will be held late August and interested parties are invited to find more information on their chance to participate at viachoralis.ca.
