Music has the extraordinary power to build community. In this city, the Calgary Boys’ Choir and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus have existed side-by-side for fifty years, and at times, demonstrating a symbiotic relationship – cultivating and nurturing the next generation of talent.
Chorister Glenn Bontje and his grandson will be singing side-by-side this weekend at Calgary Central Library’s 5th anniversary celebrations. “I am thrilled to be singing alongside my grandson,” Glenn says “I’ve been in the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus for 20 years, and he has been in the Boys’ Choir for three. Being able to share and pass along a love for singing and classical music has been very important to me.”
For 50 years, The Calgary Boys’ Choir has provided choral instruction and opportunities for performance to boys in Calgary. The Calgary Philharmonic Chorus has been a pillar of choral excellence in the city for 60 years. Chorister Arthur Dick sings in the Chorus and recalls the foundation his time in the Boys’ Choir instilled in him, “The Calgary Boys’ Choir provided me with a solid foundation in choral singing, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a deep love for music.”
The Calgary Philharmonic Chorus is a group of more than 120 volunteer singers who deliver excellence in performance of choral music and promote the enjoyment and development of choral singing in Calgary communities.
Calgary Chorus member David Mark, also performed in the Boys’ choir, “I joined the Calgary Boys’ Choir in the early 70’s as a student in Junior High and looked forward to the weekly opportunity to join my voice with other boys of various backgrounds to explore the range of the human experience through vocal music. Now, as a member of the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, I get to do the same thing.”
This Saturday, in celebration of the Central Library’s fifth anniversary, the Calgary Library invites you to a day of events, starting with a free concert from The Calgary Boys’ Choir and the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus.
Activities are planned all day – the choirs sing at 10AM.
Note: Please check the Calgary Library’s official website for any updates or changes to the event schedule.
Registration is available online at the above button or here.
Choral Connections: Calgary Boys’ Choir and Calgary Philharmonic Chorus
Presented by Calgary Public Library
Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall – Central Library
800 3rd Street SE, Calgary
Saturday 4 November / 10AM