Support for Landmark Year

On November 25, 2008, Grand River Chorus President David Neumann and Artistic Director Richard Cunningham attended Brantford City Hall to receive a cheque from the Brant Community Foundation. The $2216.24 cheque, presented by Mayor Mike Hancock, will assist the chorus with advertising and promotion costs associated with concerts and other activities during this tenth anniversary season. One highlight event will be the production of Saul, a great oratorio by Handel, set for April 5th at St Basils Church. The event was coordinated by Josie Mannen, executive assistant to the mayor.

Memories

I have many fond memories of Grand River Chorus early concerts. When many of us auditioned for Rob Phillips 10 years ago, he was kind, affable and encouraging. He explained that we would be preparing for a concert in a few months of Mozart's Requiem. I know that I wasn't the only one who thought, "Ok, I'm familiar with Mozart, but what is a requiem????" We were soon to find out! Carol Ann Feldstein was particularly wonderful with working with the altos. She had a jazzy way of teaching us the rhythm for "Quam olim Abrahae", that I will never forget! The concert at the Sanderson Centre was such a thrill. The altos were very close to the timpanis and when we sang the Coronation anthems, we could feel the drums right inside our chests! The first time we performed Handel's Messiah was a big personal thrill. I had listened to recorded performances of Messiah as a child, on my parents' hi-fi on Sunday afternoons. I had never before been in a choir large or strong enough to tackle the whole thing. It felt like a real accomplishment to learn and perform all of those beautiful pieces. Our choir has certainly grown and improved over the years, and with Richard's direction, but I have very fond memories of those early days and feel great appreciation to Rob who had the vision to start the GRC. Belonging in this choir has meant a great deal to me over the past ten years and enriched my life greatly. It's given me the inspiration and courage to expand my music teaching as a classroom teacher too. Teaching kids to love singing is quite rewarding.

The French Romantic Concert Nov 02 '08

The Grand River Chorus presents their first concert of the tenth season at St Pius X Church under the direction of Richard Cunningham.

Cutting the cake are Guest soloists Kevin Bradshaw and Marion Samuel-Stevens and the Grand River Chorus President Dave Neumann

Dave Neumann gives the first piece of cake to Monica Heeg-Admiral

The choir relaxes at the intermission between performances of the Requiems.

Our thanks to the Fathers and Congregation of St. Pius X Church for the hospitality and help extended to us by members and staff.

Dress rehearsal for The French Romantics

November 1st was the dress rehearsal for our first concert of the year, The French Romantics, with requiems by Fauré and Duruflé.

Members of the chorus gather at St Pius X church to prepare for the Dress Rehearsal.


Andy Blackwood, Bob Missen and artistic director Richard Cunningham discuss the fine details of preparation for the start.

Ann-Marie, our accompanist, prepares the organ for the start of our rehearsal.