SWEET SOUNDS OF THE ORATORIO CHOIR:
The Swift Current Oratorio Choir hosted a well attended spring concert that raised funds in support of humanitarian relief for Ukraine. The Light beyond Shadow miniconcert took place at the Zion Mennonite Church, April 25. It was the choir’s first open concert in two years and there was an estimated audience of 120 or more people. Choir director Marcia McLean said during remarks at the start of the concert that it has been a very difficult two years for all choirs across Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the Swift Current Oratorio Choir’s spring concert in 2020. Choir members were only able to gather again for rehearsals in September 2021 and they held an invitation-only Christmas with Friends performance with masks. The choir’s spring concert is typically the conclusion of their season and the 2022 mini-concert made it possible to end on a positive note. Admission was by donation and $1,000 (50 per cent of proceeds) will be donated to the Red Cross Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal. The choir’s next season, which starts in September, will be its 50th year of bringing people together to sing and enjoy choral music.