Brock women’s choir set for debut concert
Brock University’s new women’s choir will perform its first full concert Saturday, and it will be getting a little help.
The 32-member choir, led by assistant professor music Rachel Rensink-Hoff, will play FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre with the university’s already established mixed voice chamber choir. They’ll both be joined by the Walker String Quartet.
The new women’s choir marks Brock’s first female choir which allows members from the community to join. It is comprised of half students, half community members.
“Which obviously changes the dynamic of the group,” says Rensink-Hoff. “Prior to this it was always students only.”
The group made its official debut with a shortened set at the Ontario Music Educators Association Conference in Hamilton Nov. 2.
“Which was great because that gave us something early to work towards,” says Rensink-Hoff. “I’m excited for the performance and looking forward to growing the group.”
Auditions for the new choir were held as soon as the school year started. Rensink-Hoff was hoping for a 40-member group but had to turn away some singers. She’s hoping more turn up to audition in January.
Saturday’s show is part of the department of music’s Viva Voce! Choral Series, which started Nov. 24. While Rensink-Hoff promises a few “seasonal pieces,” it will be a more straightforward concert.
“I often do more thematic programs, but for this I wanted to just choose pieces that I thought would work for a group just starting out.”
The two choirs will team up again March 30.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Cairns Recital Hall. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors/students. Phone 905-688-0722 or at www.firstontariopac.ca.