Choral Society rocks St. Matthew’s auditorium

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JACK EVANS

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Focussing on songs from the 1920s and 30s, the Belleville Choral Society drew a large audience for its spring concert Saturday, assisted by talented young singers from the Trenton based Joyful Voices Choir, both as an ensemble and solos. This was the first Belleville performance by this relatively new vocal ensemble designated specifically for young voices.

Typical songs by the choral society included a medley of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, Harry Warren’s Chattanooga Choo Choo and Harold Arlen’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

A highlight of the afternoon was presentation of the BCS Memorial Scholarship, awarded this year to Christopher Virtue. Judy McKnight, on behalf of the choir explained how the award is offered depending on quality applicants and funding available and acceptance to a post-secondary placement for further musical studies. It also honours the memory of several past directors of the choir. She cited how Christopher has made significant achievements as a trumpet player, winning the silver pitcher award in the most recent Rotary Music Festival. The winner then demonstrated his skill with a solo, Mozart’s Alleluia.

Singers and soloists from the Joyful Voices program drew a spontaneous standing ovation as did the BCS for their dynamic closing numbers, accompanied by rhythmic hand-clapping, Hope Lingers On and Arise, the latter written by local songstress, Jeanette Arsenault.

Director of the BCS is Heather Christiansen, who affirmed that choir practices are a fun and bond-forming gathering for choir members and invited more participants. Piano accompaniments were provided by choir member Diane Ankenmann.