While the winter holiday season may seem a long way off at this time, Bow Valley Chorus has much more on its plate than planning turkey dinners in this, its 15th season.
The chorus, said founder and director John Goulart, is busy turning new opportunities into new traditions.
For example, last year, the chorus found itself at the Cave and Basin performing a singalong Messiah as darkness fell. Performing in weather-appropriate clothing and with an audience clapping along with mittens, “it went extremely well,” said Goulart. “It was fantastic. It was about five below, not windy and we were under the stars – it was really magical.”
That same experience can be had this year on Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. as the chorus once again takes to the Cave and Basin. Should unseasonably cold weather hit, the event will be moved indoors at the site’s Story Hall.
The chorus will warm up for the Cave and Basin event by hosting a carol sing at Cascade Mall in Banff on Dec. 5.
On Dec. 12, Bow Valley Chorus will be in action again, at The Banff Centre’s Eric Harvie Theatre, where the chorus will throw its energy into what is a growing tradition with the group appearing with nationally renowned artists.
This year, the chorus will work in support of Juno Award-winning Molly Johnson, a Toronto jazz vocalist, singer-songwriter, artist and philanthropist known in Canada and around the world for her luscious interpretations of jazz and blues standards.
Johnson’s Eric Harvie show will be a Billie Holiday Christmas, with songs from her most recent album, Because of Billie – a tribute to Holliday’s heartbreaking childhood. A portion of CD sales will go to Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada.
“We have a very good relationship with The Banff Centre,” said Goulart. “And this follows us working with Measha Brueggergosman last winter, and with Holly Cole and Fred Penner; those were all sellouts.
“Molly wanted to do something with choir and Casey Prescott at The Banff Centre got hold of us. It’s a great fit for us and we’re getting a great reputation by working with these visiting artists and the choir is very proud to work with these performers.”
On Dec. 13-14, the chorus will present Navidad Espanola, by Ariel Ramirez, at Canmore’s Silvertip Resort and The Banff Centre’s Rolston Recital Hall, respectively. Both shows are at 8 p.m. For Navidad (carols and lullabies), the chorus will be conducted by Goulart and feature Karen J. Minish (soprano) and Jorge Avilez (tenor).
The chorus stands at about 45 members currently, said Goulart. “We’re continuing to grown and continuing to be a dynamic cultural force in the valley. At 45 members, it’s very manageable and things are going really well for us. I’m really looking forward to another season with the choir.”
Bow Valley Chorus holds its rehearsals at 6:30 p.m. at Ralph Connor Church.
