Brothers in Song
Calgary Boys’ Choir celebrates 45 years with a weekend of events
Marking an enormous milestone, join the Calgary Boys’ Choir and celebrate 45 years of operation with three not-to-be missed events to commemorate the occasion.
“We invite people to come and help us celebrate the Calgary Boys’ Choir’s contributions to Calgary’s vibrant cultural scene over the past 45 years,” says Artistic Director Paul Grindlay in a statement. “Over the years, the Calgary Boys’ Choir has created an extended family who grew up singing together. They are united in friendship by a love of song and the shared memories of formative musical and travel experiences.”
The weekend of celebration kicks off on May 10 with a reception for choir alumni and their families to reconnect and reminisce about their time with the choir. Featuring exhibits chronicling the choir’s rich history, the evening also sees a chance to raise a glass to the late Douglas Parnham, who founded the choir in 1973 and died in February 2018, as well as live entertainment by choir alumni John Wort Hannam and Daniel Vacon.
Then, on May 11 choir members past and present host a free music recital to demonstrate the lessons the choir has taught them in performance and musicality.
The weekend wraps with a free, gala concert—Brothers in Song—on Mother’s Day, May 12, at Knox United Church.
Featuring a newly commissioned piece by Vancouver composer Graeme Langager, a collaboration with John Wort Hannam, and a tribute to mothers and mother figures, the afternoon includes performances by The Heebee-jeebees and a chorus made of choir alumni and friends.
“The Calgary Boys’ Choir offered me three things for which I’m eternally grateful: Lifelong friendships, confidence in having my voice heard, and a love of music,” says former choir member and Heebee-jeebee Jonathan Love in a statement. “We’re excited to celebrate this anniversary with the choir and its alumni.”
Celebrations run May 10 to 12, 2019. Tickets to the alumni reception are $25 each, while all concert tickets are free. Be sure to RSVP at calgaryboyschoir.eventbrite.com.
