Stratford Concert Choir’s upcoming performance will feature some esteemed talent and a promising student getting an opportunity to perform with the collective.
Summer Song showcases an award-winning harpist, aspiring baritone, and a wide-ranging repertoire, the choir said in a recent media release.
Conductor Stephane Potvin said he was inspired by Sumer is Acumin in, a lilting medieval round. He chose other music that also reminded him of summer, including three pieces by Morten Lauridsen.
“They all deal with the night,” he said. “May is my favorite time of year. I love to go outside when it’s warm and there’s still some cool air, and look at the stars. And those pieces just fit.”
A talented harpist living in the area, Kathleen Gahagan, who has a wealth of experience accompanying choirs, was added to the mix.
“There’s something very special about being able to work with singers,” said Gahagan. “Being able to collaborate with people who are using the instrument they were born with their voice is something that’s really special to me.”
Gahagan will also be playing solos by Irish, French, and Canadian composers, and a couple of pieces from the 13th century.
One of the highlights of Summer Song will be Ave Maria, composed by Marco Burak who sings bass with the choir. Potvin heard that one of the choristers was a composer, and approached Burak to see if there was anything he had written that the SCC could perform.
Burak thought Ave Maria would be the ideal thing to offer his conductor.
Summer Song will also introduce an aspiring baritone soloist, Braylon Belanger, a first year music student at Western University. Potvin recognized his talent and wanted to give him a chance. Belanger will sing Le Colibri by Ernest Chausson and Le Premier Jour de Mai by Charles Gounod.
“It’s going to be introspective, with lots of rich harmonies and musical colors,” said Potvin.
Avondale United Church is the venue for Summer Song on May 25, beginning at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $40 and available online at stratfordconcertchoir.org or at Blowes Stationery.
