Vancouver, Canada’s award-winning Chor Leoni Men’s Choir and Artistic Director Erick Lichte are pleased to announce their 2013/2014 season, with performances in Maple Ridge, New Westminster, West Vancouver, Nanaimo, Victoria, and Vancouver.
Memory Eternal, Chor Leoni’s 21st annual Remembrance Day concert, leads off the season with performances in Maple Ridge, West Vancouver, and Vancouver (November 10 & 11). Focusing on how remembrances and memories inform, teach, and unite us in times of joy and sorrow, Eternal Memory offers a diverse and thought-provoking program that includes works by Dominick Argento, Johannes Brahms, Arvo Pärt, Billy Joel, and Iron and Wine.
The choir’s Christmas offering, Star of Wonder (December 19 & 20 in Vancouver, December 21 in West Vancouver) encapsulates the beauty, joy and magic of the season. Erick has chosen a rich tapestry of music, from Renaissance motets and Russian choral works to folk music from Newfoundland and Argentina, and new arrangements of songs by Tori Amos and The Roches.
Erick is particularly excited about two new collaborations planned for the season. The first teams Chor Leoni with renowned Canadian author Jack Hodgins for a folksy musical reading of his new story Cadillac Cathedral (January 31 in Vancouver, February 1 in Victoria, February 2 in Nanaimo.)
“We first met Jack when Chor Leoni worked with him as part of the Vancouver International Writers Festival,” explains Lichte. “We are delighted to debut his new and rollicking story of rescue and new life. A deliciously funny tale, Cadillac Cathedral is a project that combines spoken word, song, and the talents of fiddler Cameron Wilson in a delightful way.The second co-production is Passion and Resurrection (April 12 at the Chan) with Elektra Women’s Choir, featuring David Lang’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Little Match Girl Passion and ?riks Ešenvalds’ Passion and Resurrection. These are two of the most affecting choral works of the past decade, making this a stunning concert and one of the “not to be missed” choral events of the entire season!”
Another new project this year is Chor Leoni Idol, (May 20 in Vancouver) a fundraising evening where some of Chor Leoni’s finest singers will battle for karaoke supremacy. Hosted by Erick and three mystery guest judges, and held at the fabulous Vancouver Fan Club, the choir’s loyal patrons will not only hear Chor Leoni sing, but will help crown the first Chor Leoni Idol with their votes of financial support.
The season closes with Manely #1’s on the Bard on the Beach stage (June 23 & 30) a lionistic look at all things musical to do with the concept of “one.” Top hits, first hits, one hit wonders – expect them all, served up with the choir’s comedic presence, choreographic capers, and captivating stage presence.
Full concert details at chorleoni.org. Flexible ticket packages are available now at http://chorleoni.org/ticket/2013
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