This weekend, choristers converge on Assiniboine Park in a free outdoor festival celebrating the joys of group singing.
First presented by the Manitoba Choral Association in 2022, “Gather” was originally thought to be a one-off opportunity for choirs and audiences to come together safely outdoors as society emerged cautiously from the pandemic.
That is until the Winnipeg 150: City of Song initiative came calling.
"(The Winnipeg Arts Council) said, ‘Would you like to hold, you know, some singing events throughout the year?’” recounts MCA Executive Director Jenny Steinke-Magnus. “We said, 'Actually, we have the perfect event that would bring together Winnipeggers for a celebration of singing.’”
Featuring 11 choirs and other vocal acts from around the city, a full day of performance is planned.
“There are all styles, genres, ages, everything that you can think of (chorally) will be represented there,” says Steinke-Magnus.
Winnipeg’s Filipino choir, Musica Singers, the Dominion Voices Nigerian church choir, the Winnipeg Nurses’ Choir, and Incantatem Singers are just some of the groups participating this year, notes Steinke-Magnus.
There are also workshops and a sing-along planned for the event as well.
The day begins with “Mindful Yoga for Singers” led by Rose Van Der Hooft of Blue Rose Yoga and Voice before the Mishkode bizhiki Anishinaabek Drum Group formally opens the program at 10 a.m.
Local makers and artisans will be on site, with food trucks, and a craft corner run by ArtsJunktion.
“Gather” takes place at the Lyric Theatre from 9:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 28
For more details, visit: www.mbchoralassociation.ca