by Virginia Watson-Rouslin –
It’s been an exciting journey for the Peninsula Singers since that day in the autumn of 1980 when a handful of people who wanted to sing together joined forces. Six years later, they gave their first concert in the Legion on Mills Road. Since then, the Singers have grown from that community chorus to a full-fledged show chorus, selling out six concerts each year at the Mary Winspear Centre for a record 28 consecutive times. In fact, the Peninsula Singers were the first performers to grace the Centre’s stage in 2001. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Glenda Korella, they’ve become a show chorus, including choreography, costume changes, humour, and each year a more challenging repertoire. For spring’s “The Journeys We Take,” Glenda has chosen music that tracks the emotional ride we’ve all taken over the years, touching on the important milestones we reach in life, the roadblocks we may encounter and the joys we may be lucky enough to savour.
As is customary, this show will feature local musician Jim Kingham as master of ceremonies, Janet Yonge on the piano, Lynell Korella on bass, Terry Erskine on percussion and special musical guest Alexandra Yates on violin. Duo Forté, comprised of cellist Sophie van der Slot and violinist Danielle Tsao, will fill the traditional “Spotlight on Young Artists.” Proceeds go to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation’s Music Therapy Program. Thus far, the Singers have donated nearly $37,000.
“I drive out from Victoria every week for practices and then for the concerts because this choir offers such a different experience from other choirs, for the singers and the audience,” says Lee Porteous, the Singers’ official Storyteller. “Because it is such a full-on show, each of us can contribute something more than singing, if we want. I’ve been given the chance – and the support – to do things I would not have attempted anywhere else.”
“The Journeys We Take” will be performed April 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and May 1 at 2 p.m. at the Mary Winspear Centre. Tickets available through the
box office: 250-656-0275 or www.marywinspear.ca.
Interested in joining the singers? Email info@peninsulasingers.ca or for more information visit www.peninsulasingers.ca.
Photo: A collage of Peninsula Singers’ photos, taken when they were between the ages of 18 and 26.
