Men and boys choir to perform in Tatamagouche

One of Canada’s few combination choirs of men and boys, of the European cathedral tradition, will visit Tatamagouche for a presentation.

Presented by Musique Royale, Capella Regalis Men & Boys Choir based in Halifax, will offer a concert in Tatamagouche on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Sharon United Church The stop is part of a Northumberland Shore – P.E.I. tour.

The tour program features 12 choristers ages 9 to 13 and 12 young men and adult professional singers performing music from the 12th to 21st centuries. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $10 for students, and are available in advance at 902-257- 2519 and at the door.

Capella Regalis Men & Boys Choir originated in Halifax seven years ago when jazz drummer/keyboardist and choir director Nick Halley decided Nova Scotia could help rejuvenate a tradition of men and boys choirs in Canada that had all but died out.

Capella Regalis is now one of only a handful of liturgical men and boys choirs in Canada.

The choir is ‘in residence’ in both the Cathedral Church of All Saints in Halifax and in the Chapel of the University of King’s College in Halifax. The choir offers a free music training program to boys ages six and up who pass an audition. The choir draws young singers from varied backgrounds.

Director Nick Halley is a firm believer in the educational model of the European-style men-and-boys choir resident at a cathedral, church or college chapel. The choirs of King’s College Cambridge, New College Oxford, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul’s Cathedral London are some of the most famous examples.

In such a setting, the choristers sing weekly services, which means they must learn and perform a fresh slate of music each week.