Music lovers of all ages joined the Kimberley Community Choir in a bilingual celebration of Canadian federation at its May 4 and 5 spring concerts at Centre 64.

Together, they shared the fun both Saturday night and for the Sunday matinee, with every song rooted in Canada.

Whether composed by Canadian musicians or adapted from folk tunes, the music ran the gamut of the nation’s stories, stretching back even before the 1867 Confederation to today’s pop music. Spanning decades of challenges and accomplishments, it celebrated the lives, hopes, travails, aspirations and geography of Canada’s many peoples, traditions and languages, coast to coast to coast.

Marta Zeegers is the choir’s director. Except during notable a capella selections, pianist Tim Plait accompanied the full choir as well as Ms. Zeegers two occasion-specific solos, Erika Lehr further enhanced the program with poems spanning the miles and years.

Guest singers Karen Cornish and Sarah Plait joined the festivities. A variety of distinctively Canadian books, paintings and a noteworthy story-telling quilt drew intermission attention as everyone savored treats provided by choir members. It was coordinated by Centre 64 volunteers grateful for community contributions to Centre 64’s “Give Us A Lift” campaign.

Members of the Choir (pictured above) include Ellen Chase, Anita Clark, Paula Gordon, Kirsten Guest, Esther Jacobson, Erkia Lehr, Sandy Spowart, Barb Thompson and Kathleen Turcon (singing soprano); Kathy Karchuk, Donna Kraushaar, Valerie Murley, Christina Philippe and Andrea Prefontaine (alto); Mac Campbell, Dianne Cooper and Barrie Peterson (tenor); and John Allen, Rand Davis and Ruedi Schuler (bass).

The choir welcomes participation from anyone drawn to the joys of singing – no audition required! With two concerts a year, it rehearses Mondays, 7-9 p.m., at Kimberley’s Anglican Church, from late September to early May. Call Marta Zeeger at 427-2883 for more.

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