The Winnipeg Boys’ Choir is on the eve of turning 100 years young.
Founded in 1925, the ensemble is one of the longest, if not the longest, continually operating boys’ choirs in Canada and they close out their 99th season in "Crescendo! Rising Towards a Century of Song."
Featuring an array of contemporary choral works, sacred selections and folk songs, the concert includes both the treble and senior chorus.
The concert provides an opportunity for supporters and alumni to come together and hear the current crop of singers, like Nicolino, who joined the group last year at the age of 9.
“I enjoy that we get to do all of these fun events and we get to sing new songs in different languages,” says the second-year singer.
A recent highlight includes a performance of Carmina Burana in the pit with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra as the Royal Winnipeg Ballet danced on stage at the Centennial Concert Hall.
The choir has always made performances in the community a priority for its singers, according to choir alum Jim Shepherd, who sang from 1942-45.
“(Performances in the, then, Manitoba Music Festival) was a highlight of our year,” says Shepherd. “Another highlight was the annual concerts.”
Shepherd still joins the chorus from time to time, having performed with the alumni choir in the 90th anniversary show as well as last year’s Christmas concert. He plans on singing in the centennial concert “if the voice is still there.”
Interacting with alumni such as Shepherd and seeing the dedication of the current group of choristers keeps artistic director Carolyn Boyes doubly committed to the ensemble’s tradition of choral excellence.
“Making sure the organization still stays healthy and robust,” says Boyes of her goals moving forward. “So that we can encourage other young boys and men to find the joy of community through singing,”
“Crescendo! Rising Towards a Century of Song” takes place on Tuesday, May 7 at the Crescent Arts Centre, beginning at 7 p.m.
For tickets and more details, visit: www.winnipegboyschoir.ca