LET VOICES RESOUND

21 APRIL 2023 • JACK SINGER CONCERT HALL

On behalf of City Council and all Calgarians, we extend heartfelt congratulations to the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus on their grand 60th anniversary and celebratory concert Let Voices Resound.

The Calgary Philharmonic is a beloved pillar of our creative community and holds the distinction of being only one of two major Canadian symphony orchestras to have its own Chorus. For six decades, this Chorus has delighted audiences and enhanced the Orchestra through its exceptional vocal talents and wide repertoire.

We recognize that over the years, the Chorus has become one of Calgary’s leading musical institutions, delivering excellence in the performance of choral music and promoting the enjoyment of choral singing in our communities. It is equally impressive that Chorus members are all dedicated volunteers from different walks of life, bound together through their common love of music.

Tonight, we celebrate the incredible Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and join in the excitement of Let Voices Resound. As the lights dim for this unique concert experience, the air will be electric with the Chorus taking centre stage, joined by Cantaré Children’s Choir and special guest soloists.

Thank you to all the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors for sharing your time and energy to make this moment happen. Thanks also to the attendees for coming out and showing your love and support. Together we savour the collective joy that only live music gives.

Sincerely,

Jyoti Gondek Mayor of Calgary

Hello everyone,

This concert is an affectionate and proud THANK YOU to the amazing singers in the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, past and present (and future!), for your brilliant contributions across our communities and on stage with the Orchestra.

The Calgary Phil is very lucky — it’s one of only two professional orchestras in Canada to have its own Chorus in-house (the other being l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec), and the support of the Borak Forte Program is key to that — thank you to all those who donate to support the Chorus.

The ranks have replenished and swelled since the pandemic — which saw the Chorus performing online, recording from their cars, and eventually back on stage, distanced, masked, and valiant — with over 40 new members joining in the past two seasons. One of them was the Calgary Phil admin’s own Barbara Soles — we’re very proud of her double role!

The singers range in age from 18 to 83 — some have been singing in the Chorus just this season, others have been with us for 40 years. If you’re interested to join them, please visit calgaryphil.com/chorus for information about auditions. You may even find yourself swept up in a viral video, as happened when the Calgary Flames made the playoffs in 2015 and the Orchestra and Chorus performed an adapted version of Orff’s O Fortuna from Carmina Burana

And, behind the scenes there is more amazing volunteer power: many dedicated music librarians over the years (taking care of the music for over 120 members is no small task); four section representatives who track attendance and help communicate with their sections; Chorus potluck organizers; membership handbook compilers; and those who volunteer in other capacities at Calgary Phil events.

Our communities and the Calgary Phil thrive thanks to People Power — and the magnificent Calgary Philharmonic Chorus deserves celebrating. This is music for EVERYONE.

Marc Stevens President + CEO