Hello Chor Leoni Fans!

It's mid-May which means we're less than a month away from the opening performance of FUN, Chor Leoni's exploration of "Lions in Space!" It also means that the lions are busily learning dance steps:

hop R 3 times

In this issue of the eRoar you'll find (besides various dance moves):

1. Circle of Compassion & Healing Voices Receive ACCC Awards
2. FUN Matinée Tickets Going Fast

jazz boogie (8 steps)

1. Circle of Compassion & Healing Voices Receive ACCC Awards

Chor Leoni is thrilled to announce that the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors honoured two Chor Leoni recordings during their biennial PODIUM convention, held over the May long weekend in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Circle of Compassion, featuring repertoire from recent Remembrance Day performances, is the recipient of the 2008 National Choral Award for Outstanding Choral Recording, and the Healing Voices recording project, featuring music that focuses on healing and calming, received the 2008 Outstanding Sponsorship Award.

"From an artistic director’s perspective, Chor Leoni’s annual Remembrance Day concerts are both a joy and a challenge to program  – the message and the power of the musical repertoire chosen for those concerts needs to be  timely as well as timeless," say Diane Loomer, the choir's Artistic Director. "It is music chosen not only for the moment but also for life – music that can immediately console, support and recall as well as music that can be visited over and over again in search of meaning, truth, beauty and understanding.   For me, Circle of Compassion pulls together carefully chosen repertoire which encapsulates the challenges of programming while simultaneously allowing both listener and singer the opportunity to join in compassionate purpose."

Circle of Compassion was recorded in 2007 and produced by recording producer, Jonathan Quick. "For my part, it is an honour and a privilege to work with such a wonderful choir and organization," he says. "The choir continues to bring such a high level of commitment and sense of purpose to their performances, which I believe is reflected in these recordings.  It has been a joy working with Diane Loomer, helping to bring her artistic vision to life.  I would also like to acknowledge Don Harder, who has been a great mentor to me, and whose expertise allows me to take creative risks, in reaching for 'that special sound.'"

Chor Leoni undertook the Healing Voices project at the request of music therapist Valerie Weeks, as a service to music therapists and others who work in the patient and people care field. Valerie and others have remarked on the special effect which male choral singing has for patients and clients.

Everyone involved with the project, including conductor, producer, instrumentalists, singers, composers, arrangers, photographers, proof readers, graphic artists, CD manufacturer, choir volunteers, distributors, and therapists (to name most, but not all) have donated their time, expertise, and devotion to make this disc happen.

"Knowing and living daily within the healing power of music, I thought there might be a positive response to Healing Voices," says Ms. Loomer.  "What all us did not anticipate was the overwhelming embrace this CD has received throughout the world! As a conductor, I feel there is something decidedly calming, embracing and reassuring about the sound of men singing together – as a human being, I hear a subliminal  message in their song saying 'It’s going to be all right.'  I am so pleased this CD, given freely from all of the contributing artists, has warmed so many other hearts, strengthened courage and given hope. May it continue to do so!"

Organizations and individuals working in the patient and people care field (music therapists, hospices, long-term and palliative care societies, and the like) may obtain copies of the CD at cost (plus shipping charges) directly from Chor Leoni. All others may obtain the disc by contacting Chor Leoni's marketing partner in this venture, the Callanish Society.

Dick Loomer, project manager for Healing Voices, adds, "It has been my pleasure to see the response to this relaxing and therapeutic music. In the 17 months since release we have provided nearly 3000 copies of Healing Voices and received hundreds of grateful thank yous from patients, therapists, care givers and families. It's popularity seems to be undiminished with time."

2. FUN Matinée Tickets Going Fast

As of today there are only 100 tickets left for the June 23 matinée performance (3 pm) of Chor Leoni's first extraterrestrial experience, FUN. Think Zarathustra, think monoliths, think constellations - now put that into the context of Chor Leoni's past madcap adventures under the Bard's peppermint tent and you'll have a small inkling of what's in store! These are the hottest choral tickets in town, with our evening performances selling out two months in advance. Our subscribers had the tickets they wanted as soon as the box office opened. Why not plan to join Chor Leoni's growing family of subscribers for our 2008/2009 season? Watch for our new brochure and season details online, coming soon!

FUN

Monday, June 16, 2008 @ 8 pm  SOLD OUT
Monday, June 23, 2008 @ 3 pm *matinée tickets available!*
Monday, June 23, 2008 @ 8 pm SOLD OUT

Bard on the Beach tent
Vanier Park, Vancouver BC

Bard box office 604.739.0559

step R, point L out front, step L