(Vancouver,BC) An international choral summit for men’s voices, an inaugural national choral composition competition, the release of a new CD, and a program that honours the choir’s Scandinavian roots are highlights of the 2016/2017 season of Vancouver’s renowned Chor Leoni Men’s Choir.
“The depth and breadth of Chor Leoni’s offerings reflect our commitment to our audience and our community to bring the transformative power of male choral singing to as many people as we can,” states Artistic Director Erick Lichte.
Now in its third year, the Van/man Male Choral Summit has expanded to two days and taken on an international flavor. “I am especially proud of the growth of our VAN/MAN,” says Lichte. “Over two days Chor Leoni will brings together over 400 male singers from the area, and also feature the world-renowned vocal ensemble Chanticleer in Concert for a full concert, collaborations and clinics.” The festival includes performances by Chanticleer, Chor Leoni, Chor Leoni’s MYVoice & PROMYS choirs, the Vancouver Men’s Chorus, and Iceland’s Karlakórinn Heimir.
In February Chor Leoni presents the winners of their inaugural Canadian Choral Composition Competition. “We are proud to feature new compositional voices from across Canada,” Lichte explains. “This project will bolster the new generation of Canadian choral composers and enrich Chor Leoni’s diverse repertoire.” Held in the intimate space of The Annex, C/4 offers an opportunity to be the first audience to hear the winning compositions, listen in as Erick chats with the composers from the stage, enjoy a no-host bar, and mingle with the singers and composers.
The choir is proud to release Wandering Heart, their first recording under the direction of Erick Lichte and featuring the premiere recording of the title work by Ēriks Ešenvalds to poetry of Leonard Cohen. Works by Morten Lauridsen, Kim André Arnesen, Felix Mendelssohn and Paul Mealor round out this stunning collection, the choir’s first CD since 2011. The disc is available for pre-order now and will be released November 1.
BC/Baltica, the choir’s spring program, honours the long tradition of excellent Baltic and Scandinavian male choirs, a tradition that inspired Diane Loomer to found Chor Leoni in 1993. Stunning works by Rautavaara, Nystedt, and Ešenvalds highlight how male choral music has grown in BC from the seeds of these Baltic masterpieces.
In addition to Chor Leoni’s traditional Remembrance Day, Christmas, and immensely popular season-closing performances at the Bard on the Beach tent, two popular fundraisers complete the busy choir’s season. At Home, Chor Leoni’s formal fundraising evening will be held in the historic elegance of Casa Mia in October, while the over-the-top Chor Leoni Idol will take place at the Blackbird Public House in May.
Money-saving flexible season ticket packages starting with just three performances are available, including a special North Shore Matinée package of three concerts held in the beautiful acoustics of West Vancouver United Church. Subscribers choose their own seats for all performances and have first access to Chanticleer tickets – one of the hottest choral events of the season.
Click here to view Chor Leoni’s 2016/17 season brochure on issuu.com
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