This weekend, the Esprit Vocal Ensemble welcomes the Ron Paley Quartet in a program of contemporary and jazz standards.
Traces of Jazz – a belated Esprit de choeur 10th anniversary concert – takes place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
“We’re really, really excited that we’re finally collaborating with Ron and his quartet,” says artistic director Valdine Anderson.
A fixture in the Winnipeg music scene, Ron Paley is a name synonymous with jazz in the city – making him the perfect guide for this first foray into the genre for Esprit de choeur.
“He has been fantastic,” says Anderson in regard to Paley as a collaborator.
An offshoot of the main choir, the Esprit Vocal Ensemble consists of 17 singers. The small size has given them a nimbleness and adaptability as they learn to “loosen up,” according to Anderson.
“(The choir) is starting to realize that it’s not about watching the conductor but living with the music and communicating to the audience,” she says.
Hear jazz standards, new choral arrangements, piano quartet and joint numbers in Traces of Jazz at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Sunday, February 26 at 4 p.m.
Tickets available through Eventbrite.
