CPC Choir trip to Okanagan
We left Calgary in a snow storm in the morning of May 5, worried that we might have to turn around due to poor road conditions in the mountains. But as we drove west the sun shined through and the roads were suddenly perfect!
This was the beginning of an absolutely amazing choir trip in the blossoming sunshine of the Okanagan. Upon our arrival, we had a rehearsal in Kelowna with music director and conductor Rosemary Thomson, the Okanagan Symphonic Orchestra and their community choir. The programme for the concerts consisted of the same piece the Okanagan Symphonic Orchestra played for their inaugural performance exactly 50 years before, The Symphony No.9 d minor, Op. 125 by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Also,for the occasion a piece was commissioned, titled Quaternity a Cantata of Seasons by composer Imant Raminsh Principal Second Violin with the OSO since 1978. It was indeed a rare delight to have the composer perform his own work in the orchestra and being able to benefit from his contributions for the performance.
During the stay many of us managed to make time for important activities, such as wine tasting, golfing, hiking, shopping or just relaxing between rehearsals and concerts. The following nights we performed in Penticton and Vernon, with all performances being sold out! The community is very supportive of their Symphonic Orchestra and was proud to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Choir music is so powerful and it becomes even more significant as you get to know the special people who take part in it. What would life be without music?
Josée Robitaille
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