The Brandon University (BU) Chorale has been selected to perform at Podium, the biannual National Choral Conference and Festival, this May in Edmonton.
The BU Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Andrée Dagenais, was chosen along with 13 other choirs from a pool of 42 choral ensembles.
“This is a rare occasion for the Brandon University Chorale to experience choral performances of the highest caliber,” Dagenais said. “For students, this is a unique opportunity to become familiar with other performance approaches, to hear new repertoire and to network with peers, professional conductors and music educators.”
Among the conference’s highlights will be the opportunity to attend a performance of the National Youth Choir, a university-level ensemble made of 40 voices. In this year’s edition, three of BU’s voice majors — soprano Katie Trussler, mezzo Erika Razmussen, and tenor Clint McLachlan — have been selected to represent Manitoba in the choir.
On the way to Edmonton from May 18–22, the two dozen members of the BU Chorale will also present concerts and workshops at selected high schools in Saskatchewan.
The Brandon University Chorale has become acknowledged as an ensemble of high caliber. As a touring choir, recent tours of BU Chorale include the Northwestern Ontario in 2015, the Baltic countries in 2014, and Cuba in 2010. They have also been guests of the Winnipeg New Music Festival, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
“In the time that I’ve been at BU, I’ve always been impressed with Andrée’s ability conducting the School’s choirs,” said Greg Gatien, Acting Dean of Music at BU. “This invitation is an affirmation of her skill and commitment, as well as a testament to the talent and dedication of the students. Were justifiably proud of their accomplishment.”
Before they leave, the BU Chorale will be presenting its final concert of the year in Brandon on Friday, April 1, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral at 8 p.m. The concert program will feature choral selections that the ensemble will perform at Podium next month in addition to the beautiful and famous excerpt from Brahms Requiem, Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen. The performance will also include some solo vocal selections performed by members of the choir.
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