Listen, and you will catch the sounds of spring – and fall.
Now in their third season, members of the Northern Lights Chamber Choir are preparing Equinox, a concert that “circles around spring and fall equinox,” says conductor Steve Guidone.
There will be five Canadian pieces on the program.
“We’re starting with three beautiful pieces by a Vancouver composer, and Barb Ennis will perform a cello solo – two pieces by Robert Bridge called Meditation and Spring Song.
The second half of the concert starts off leaning towards fall equinox, with an Argentinian tango called Reminiscence.
Male members of the choir will sing Homeward Bound, a piece that has been sung by the Canadian Tenors and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Talented pianist Jim Johnston accompanies the choir, and will play a solo during the concert, something Guidone refers to as a “rare moment.”
With 16 members in the ranks now, Guidone says the choir is maturing.
“They have a nicer blend,” he says. “They’re maturing in terms of blend, balance and nuance, and they’re doing some really beautiful stuff there.”
Guidone says some people have been put off in the past with the word “chamber” in the choir’s name.
“All it means is a smaller group for a smaller space,” he says.
Guidone points out that as well as blending their notes well, the choir is stronger.
“They love singing and we have a lot of fun,” he says. “The music is tougher, so even though they read music, the pieces are more difficult to learn.”
Equinox plays Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 4 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and in Sorrento’s St. Mary’s Church Sunday, March 11 at 2:30.
Advance tickets are $15 at Acorn or choir members or take your chances at the door.