From classic Canadian favourites to popular songs from Broadway musicals the Cariboo Men’s Choir promises a lively concert in celebration of Mother’s Day and its 10th anniversary this Sunday.
The concert starts at 2 p.m. in St. Andrew’s Church. Admission is by donation with all proceeds going toward the purchase of an elevator for the church.
Concert selections will range from old favourites such as Away from the Roll of the Sea, Song for Mira, and Amazing Grace, to Canadian Classics such as This Land is Your Land and Hallelujah, to hit songs from Broadway musicals such as My Fair Lady, On the Street Where You Live, Ol’ Man River, Bring Him Home and more.
The choir routinely performs pieces that are often difficult and complex and involving four and even five part harmony.
Special guest artist at this concert will be choir conductor Carl Johnson’s daughter Kiera Johnson.
Kiera has been studying at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Oak Bay near Victoria. She was featured in the choir’s fifth anniversary concert and returns this year to add to this Mothers’ Day musical treat.
The idea of a men’s choir got its start in the fall of 2004, when the Vancouver Mens’ Welsh Choir performed in Williams Lake.
After that concert, retired administrator Bill McDonald and local teacher Carl Johnson, started the local group. Johnson volunteered as director and they recruited retired teacher and pianist Jerry Tickner as their accompanist, and McDonald volunteered as manager.
The choir started with 17 members and now the choir has an average membership of 25 men.
The Cariboo Men’s Choir performs at numerous events in the city including the Cariboo Music Festival, Tuba John’s Christmas Concert, The Williams Lake Pipe Band’s Ceilidh, annual Remembrance Day services, the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration, and several more.
The choir meets and practices at the Williams Lake campus of Lake City Secondary School on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Auditions are not required and all men are welcome.