The Celebration Singers, a four-part harmony community choir under the direction of Jenn Forsland, will perform their spring repertoire on May 5 at St. George's United Church on Fitzgerald Street.
True to their roots as a spiritual and gospel singing group, the Celebration Singers will entertain audiences with their renditions of Jabula Jesu, Ipharadisi and Singabahambayo.
These African folk songs of the Zulu nation are joyful songs full of catchy repeated rhythms that are woven throughout the different voices. Listeners will surely want to get up and dance to these moving songs.
A variety of folk music will be sung throughout the evening's concert. The haunting unforgettable melody of Who Can Sail, with its flowing Finnish poetry will tug at heartstrings. Song for the Mira is a Canadian song that the choir loves to sing.
Included in the concert are a couple of vocal surprises which will certainly delight the audience.
Of course, a Celebration Singers concert would not be complete without the talents of accompanist Sean Mooney, and he will shine through in many of the chosen pieces. Mooney and Forsland are a dynamic musical duo, blending their skills and musicality to bring out the best in this 60 member mixed choir.
As well, there will be added musicians flavouring some songs; Lewis Carroll's well-known Jabberwocky poem is delightfully sprinkled with some unusual percussion.
The Celebration Singers will be joined by director Forsland's Courtenay Elementary choir for a number of songs. The sweet voices of these young children will beautifully sing melodies, fully supported by the richness of the adult men and women.
Tickets for this 7:30 p.m. concert on May 5 cost $10 each and will be available from choir members, at the door, and at Laughing Oyster and Blue Heron bookstores.
— Celebration Singers