The Seniors Choir and Men of Note sang in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Arctic Winters Games.

Here is a sample of the many emails the choir received after the event.

Hi Jeannie – The performance by the choir  last night with the Lord’s Prayer in Swahili, and the renditions of the five national anthems took my breath away.  At this morning’s  chef’s meeting, ‘Yana, the Russian chef expressed her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation on behalf herself, and the coaches, athletes and officials,  for the fact that it was the “right” version of the anthem, and asked how “they” meaning the choir,  could have known that.    Other chefs expressed their appreciation for their anthems as well.  I can tell you everyone one in the room this morning “felt the moment” and we were blown away by the fact that Grande Prairie had provided one of best memories  of the Games experience, which will never be forgotten.   Thank you Jeannie for making that possible! You rock!

Lois Harper, Manager
Culture & Sport Development
City of Grande Prairie

One only needs travel to a Grande Prairie Boys’ Choir concert to gain a “worldly” experience.  And that’s exactly what was delivered during the “Sing the World” concert with guest clinician Elise Bradley.  Bradley is an internationally renowned conductor and clinician who is currently the Artistic Director of the Toronto Children’s Chorus.  Her exuberance and positive attitude were both contagious and pivotal in ensuring that the boys enjoyed and flourished during this intense yet rewarding weekend where there was “no slop” allowed!

The concert began with the Master of Ceremonies covering some security issues.  Not  expected protocol items such as emergency exits or smoking by-laws but those of international security levels.  It seems international security “language” seems to be following the lead of texting acronyms.  “Baaa”, “right mad” and “Crikey!” are now some internationally accepted expressions approved for the comprehension of the common people.

Throughout the evening pieces were introduced in their native languages by boys who had cultural background from that country.  Under the direction of the GP Boys’ Choir founder, Jeannie Pernal, the Prepatory boys began with Russian and Irish fare while the Junior boys performed the traditional “Sarasponda”: a challenging piece well done considering the key changes and augmented intervals.  As the Men of Note and guest singers from Valleyview took to the stage to sing a Scottish folksong, whistling could be heard from the audience as a young man appeared in a kilt and interpreted his name as meaning “cooked cabbage, crooked nose, brave warrior”!  Where was security now?  The Men finished their set with a strong, toe tapping rendition of Candian Pacific.  Senior boys and their guests brought us Gaelic Blessing, Un Canadian Errant and then Bradley stepped up  as conductor  and they continued with Sonntag by Brahms.   From this point on, Bradley moulded color, beat and language to result in so me strikingly unique pieces to wrap up the concert.  First the Pan-African National Anthem and then French Canadian folksong “O-Yo-Yo”.  Their final piece, which earned and delivered an encore of the same, was “Tihore Mai” which is the music of the New Zealand First Nations people  and was gifted to Bradley by the First Nations to perform outside of the tribe!  Definately and exclusive learning and performing opportunity for the Boys’ choir.

Also in the program was Katherine Pernal on cello performing the vivid and light “Gavotte in D Major”.  Katherine showcased her talent in this instrumental piece through key changes, mood changes and some plucking techniques.  Elisa Milner on violin and Carmen Bartel on piano performed Romanian Folk Dances which was definate “ear candy” for the audience and once again proved the adept mastery of skill they posses of their instruments.  Accolaydes also go to the accompanists of the evening: Marie Moreau, Elaine Leer, Chris Wiebe and Steven Chateaneu.

Concert review by Mary-Ann Lynch, Prep Choir parent

Grande Prairie Music Festival
Monday, April 26, 2010 – evening /  College Theatre
Prep., Junior, and Senior Choirs

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 – 12:20 – College Theatre
Men of Note

All levels will compete in the local music festival with the hopes of being elected to go on to the Provincials.  If elected we will GO!