‘A singing style’
Cantabile choir celebrates 40 years in Truro
TRURO - Singing “The Storm is Passing Over,” The Cantabile Singers of Truro echoes the current state of the pandemic as spring arrives and the choir celebrates 40 years.
The long-anticipated concert, Songs of Inspiration and Hope, takes place at its home, the First United Church, on April 30 at 7 p.m. and on May 1, 3 p.m. at St. Matthew’s United Church in Halifax.
In a collaboration of all ages and groups, it features the Cantabile Singers (lead by Chris Bowman) and Nova Voce (Nova Scotia’s Provincial Men’s Choir.). There will be cameo appearances from two children’s choirs, the Cantabile Boys’ Choir and the Truro Youth Singers.
“It is a delight to be able to make music together and celebrate the past, present and future of Cantabile,” said Chris Bowman, the artistic director since 2013.
LEGACY
“We sort of formed the choir from nothing and truly, it’s really neat for me to see that 40 years later, it’s still going on,” said Jeff Joudrey, founding director of the choir (1981 to 1998), which was previously in the First Baptist Church.
During Joudrey’s time, the group travelled across the province as one of two choirs that sang with Symphony Nova Scotia. The choir has performed across the Maritimes over the years, with many fond memories, including of the bus rides.
From that original choir came spinoffs, including the youth choirs and the Spotlight Musical Theatre Company at the Marigold Cultural Centre.
“I think throughout the history of the choir, that community support has been really terrific here,” said Ross Thompson, director from 1998 to 2013.
The Fezziwig’s Family Christmas Frolic was a memorable experience in 2004 for choristers wearing costumes in a staged production with Cobequid Educational Centre.
“Most of the choristers weren’t accustomed to doing musical plays; they were accustomed to singing in a choir,” said Thompson. “And so this was quite a stretch for them.”
The Choirs for Comfort performances – spearheaded by Lynn and Malcolm Macpherson – have raised funds for various local organizations over the years.
“It’s a pretty rousing moment when you have that many choirs in this church and have a church full of people – pretty special,” said Loughead.
Chair Barbara Main enjoyed their 2017 show, ‘Colchester to the Rescue,’ learning through music how Truro and area responded to the Halifax Explosion and marking 100 years.
The society has persevered through the COVID pandemic. Some rehearsals took place outside and others spaced out, which makes sound difficult for choristers to listen to sound from within. And sometimes singing with a mask on can make a chorister feel like they’re singing a solo, but the projection is still just as “amazing,” said Main.
“There’s something about singing together with other people – you can’t beat it,” said Main.
They are excited and feel fortunate to be able to celebrate its 40th anniversary in person. Choristers will still be wearing 3D voice masks to reduce particle spread.
“I’m just so relieved that people are still aching for great concerts,” said Bowman. “And our audiences this year, since we’ve been able to stage live events again, have had excellent turnouts and lots of support from the community.”
Bowman said that there is something for everybody. The choir will share recognizable tunes, premiere a new composition by British Columbia composer Nicholas Fairbank, winner of their composition contest, and a piece by Argentinian composer Santiago Veros, which involved co-ordination over video call.
“Pandemic has been challenging, but one of the great things is it’s brought choirs and choral communities together from all over the world,” said Bowman.
A SPECIAL PLACE
Thompson said Truro “can hold its head up high on the provincial scene,” as a known musical hotspot. Some of the singers with Cantabile have gone on to great success in music. The nationally renowned choir
“So blessed and so fortunate in the town of Truro to have three directors of that calibre,” adds chorister Kent Loughead, an original member.
Loughead, who considers himself a tenor who sings baritone, grew up in a musical family and has been singing his whole life. Some of his favourites with the choir include Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah and George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. He said the most challenging and fulfilling piece of all was Bach’s Mass in B minor.
The choir continues to shift its programming to attract and stay relevant to community members.
“I think that’s the part I enjoy the most because I come every September and I never really know what’s going to be on the program,” said Loughead. “And it’s always a treat to have different styles of music to perform.”
The word “cantabile” means “in a singing style” and it has done that while welcoming people from all walks of life.
“Being part of a community choir is a wonderful way to get to know people in the community,” said Main, who moved to Truro in 2016. “I’ve always had an interest in music – that’s been kind of my passion.”
There are no limits on attendance. Tickets are $20 ($5 for students) and can be purchased from the First United Church office, Macquarries Pharmasave (Esplanade), from choristers and at the entrance.