The Pender Harbor and Suncoast Phoenix Choirs will perform in four-part harmony with the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir (VWMC) during the first weekend in October as the VWMC launches its 36th season with a three-concert mini-tour of the Sunshine Coast.
The VWMC has grown from humble beginnings in 1980 to become a multicultural auditioned choir of more than 100 men ranging in age from high school students to octogenarians. Members come from 23 countries and collectively speak at least that many languages, while still managing to include some Welsh language songs in their wide-ranging repertoire.
The programs for the Coast concerts will include well-known songs from stage and screen, Canadian numbers, spirituals and familiar Welsh tunes, all under the long-term leadership of well-known tenor soloist Jonathan Quick and accompanist David Buchan.
While the VWMC will perform the bulk of each program, the Sechelt concert on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Raven’s Cry Theatre in Sechelt at 7:30 p.m. will also feature the Suncoast Phoenix Choir performing with new director Sara Douglas and accompanist Paula Seward.
Tickets for this concert are available at the Sechelt Visitor’s Centre or Laedeli in Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, at 7:30 p.m. the Pender Harbour Choir, under the leadership of Joy McLeod, with the Sasspenders and Women’s Chorus will follow the VWMC in a performance at the Madeira Park Hall and all groups will jointly perform two finale pieces. Tickets for this show are available at EarthFair Books in Madeira Park and the Sechelt Visitor’s Centre. The accompanist for both Friday and Saturday concerts is Paula Seward.
The final concert of the weekend is a Sunday matinée starting at 2 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons, where the VWMC will sing an expanded program.
Tickets for this concert are available at Laedeli or Gaia’s Fair Trade.
Tickets for all concerts are also available at the door, online (no fees) at vwmc.ca or call 604-878-1190.
