Spectrum Singers to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York
The Spectrum Singers, a 30-member mixed voice adult choir based out of West Kelowna, has the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in November.
The choir has been invited by Distinguished Concerts Singers International New York to perform at the East Coast premiere of International Carol Suites, a five-movement work featuring Christmas carols from 21 different countries, conducted by Mark Hayes, the suites’ composer, Nov. 19 at Carnegie Hall.
The Spectrum Singers, directed by Kim Kleineberg, Mount Boucherie Secondary School’s choral teacher, will be the only Canadian ensemble of the 15 who will be singing in a mass choir at the concert.
Hayes, an award-winning concert pianist, composer, arranger and conductor, is one of Kleineberg’s favourite composers and the Spectrum Singers often perform his work.
“He’s a master at what he’s done with every piece of music he’s ever written,” said Lisa Issler of the Spectrum Singers.
The invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall came as a surprise to the Spectrum Singers.
Distinguished Concerts Singers International New York were looking on the internet for choral performances of Mark Hayes’ works. They came across two of Spectrum’s performances online and submitted them, unbeknownst to the choir.
“We were blown away,” said Issler. “Carnegie Hall is what every singer aspires to.”
The choir was invited because of the singers’ quality and high level of musicianship as well as the exceptional quality of their audition recording.
“These wonderful musicians not only represent a high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community of West Kelowna and Kelowna,” said Dr. Jonathan GrifÀth, artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY.
Not only will Hayes lead the concert performance, he will also coach the singers and run two rehearsals.
“We get goose bumps every time we talk about it,” said Issler.
While exciting, this opportunity of a lifetime is expensive.
The choir is raising money, as members will bear the costs including travelling to and staying in New York for Àve days. As part of their fundraising efforts, the Spectrum Singers are holding a pub night at Riley’s Pub Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include a choice of a meal and happy hour drink prices all evening. There will also be door prizes, a wine rafÁe and silent auction. You can get your pub night tickets from any choir member or by calling Evan at 250-718-1908.
Sponsorships are also welcome. If you are interested in being a sponsor, contact Dini Steyn, general manager for the Spectrum Singers, at 250-768-8053 or email at dinisteyn@telus. net.