Blog: Choral & Current

With Glowing Hearts: Singing for the Olympic Torch Relay

February 11, 2010 | 12:27 AM

With Glowing Hearts: Singing for the Olympic Torch Relay

When Chor Leoni was approached to sing the official song of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay at the West Vancouver Celebrations for day 104 of the relay, we have to admit that we were a bit worried.

We'd have just sung our big Cultural Olympiad performance (Welcome the World: A Choral Gala) the night before so maybe we'd be tired.

There was the whole "Is traffic going to be a nightmare and can we even get over to West Vancouver, and where would we park?" question.

Then there was the aspect of singing outdoors - something that no choir particularly likes doing.

Nonetheless, we summoned up the courage and in true Chor Leoni fashion, agreed to do it.

Today was the big day, and from all over the Lower Mainland, the lions (joined by several of our PROMYS guys) carpooled in order to be at our designated gathering spot, the West Vancouver library, by 6 pm. My carpool left from the West End. Should we try the Port Mann? What if it was a nightmare? What if we got stuck on the causeway? Well, we sailed over the Lions Gate in record time, drove up Marine to 19th, turned left – and behold, a free parking spot, not more than 150 feet from the library! Clearly this was going to be a good night.

We met the Torch Relay personnel assigned to be our guides, rehearsed in the Welsh Hall of the library, and then were lead out to the Celebration plaza at the West Vancouver Community Centre. What an amazing site! Thousands of people decked out in red and white, waving maple leafs and Canadian flags, music blaring. It was all very exciting – and that was before the torch arrived! Once it appeared the noise escalated to a roar.

After the singing of the national anthem and the requisite speeches, Chor Leoni filed onto the risers. What a rush to look past the cauldron to the crowd beyond. The bedlam that rolled over us as we introduced as "Your Chor Leoni Men's Choir!" was truly humbling, and quite spine-tingling.

During our warm up we'd been reminded to focus on the audience, "break down that fourth wall" the way that CL loves to do, and to sing out. Just before we went on stage, one of the Torch Relay folks (who had been with us during the rehearsal) reminded us to also take a moment for ourselves to look at the flame, because it was our moment as well.

We began singing, illuminated only by the glow of the Olympic cauldron, and I have to admit I started tearing up. The lights brightened, the sound track swelled, our voices rose – and then we were bowing in front of a huge and cheering crowd. From beginning to end, the Torch Relay folks were unbelievably patient, kind, and encouraging, and it was an unforgettable experience.

Let the Games begin!

There are more photos in our flickr stream and on Facebook. (While you're there, why not become a Fan?!)

Posted by bruce hoffman, 2nd tenor | Comments (0) | File in: arcana, performances | Permanent Link

Singing For a Great Cause: CBC's Food Bank Day '09

December 4, 2009 | 3:17 PM

Chor Leoni was up bright and early (OK, it was still dark, but you know what we mean) to sing for CBC's annual Food Bank Day. This year marked our 13th appearance on the Early Edition, hosted by Rick Cluff. Of course, the 'early' part is tough, but by the time we left at 8 a.m. the total raised was already above $60,000, which is terrific news.

The fund raising drive continues all day, and as a bonus CBC is offering tours of their very cool new facility at Hamilton and Georgia St. Call in to donate - and even if you can't today, consider supporting your local foodbank during the holiday season.

Here are a few pictures from today's event. You'll find more images from today in our flickr gallery.

Awaiting our cue.

Chor Leoni comes in many sizes!

Posted by bruce hoffman, 2nd tenor | Comments (0) | File in: fundraising, performances | Permanent Link

Thank You, Hirvo & Revalia!

November 22, 2009 | 9:58 AM

The Bridge of Song Chor Leoni shared with Revalia this past Saturday was an amazing experience. The choirs met that afternoon to rehearse together, sing through some music together, and to sing for each other. It was an amazing experience to hear Revalia sing. Their inspiring conductor, Hirvo Surva, was also a joy to work with as he rehearsed us on the combined repertoire the two choirs would present that evening.

We opened the concert with both choirs singing Ave Maris Stella, an old Chor Leoni favourite arranged by Diane Loomer. For this performance of it we were conducted by baritone, Les Nerling. The following video on YouTube shows us rehearsing the piece, as well as Revalia singing a piece for the appreciative lions.

p.s. By the end of the evening's concert many of us were convinced that, though they are from Estonia, they are also from "Astoundia!"

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKGWQsMy1xM

Revalia Male Chamber Choir

Bruce Hoffman, second tenor

Posted by bruce hoffman, 2nd tenor | Comments (0) | File in: performances, visiting choirs | Permanent Link

Olympic Torch Road Trip

November 16, 2009 | 10:25 AM

I went on a great choral road-trip with a few Chor Leoni singers on Sunday November 1! We drove to Vancouver Island to sing with Timbre! Choir for the Olympic torch ceremonies in Port Alberni and Tofino. Because of commitments on the 31st and the 2nd, Nic Bermudez, Ryan Cho, Sky Kao, and I had to get on and off the island that day. What an adventure that turned out to be!

The warm-up for the first performance was at 9 a..m, so we caught the 6:30 ferry. I developed a great appreciation for Daylight Savings Time, which gave us an extra hour to sleep after Halloween! After only a few false turns on our way through Port Alberni, we found the stadium, and joined the choir. Timbre! sang two songs very familiar to us: O Canada arranged by Diane Loomer, and We Rise Again arranged by Stephen Smith. We also learned a new piece composed for the torch ceremonies entitled Cette Flame/ There's A Light. The ceremony is such a celebration of community: we saw athletes, school groups, community leaders, and dancers all take their turn! I hope you get a chance to take part in your home town.

After lunch and a quick nap for this tired driver, it was time to hit the road again, as we headed to Tofino. I'd forgotten how far it really was across the island! We had a bit of free time before the next performance. Nic and I had sung with Timbre! before, so it was nice to visit with them again. They're such warm people, and Patricia Miller gets such a beautiful sound out of them. The patches of light rain didn't dampen the enthusiastic crowd's spirits at all.

I was hoping to get my carpool home in good time, so we thanked our new friends for a great day and drove quickly (and safely!) back to Nanaimo, hoping to catch a 9:30 ferry. Unfortunately, the 9:30 was a figment of my imagination, so all that rushing was for nothing. (Well, that did leave time for a quick drink and nachos at the Modern Cafe, in our best imitation of George's) We caught the 10:45 Tsawassen ferry, and all of us slept well that night when we arrived home 20 hours after we left!

Russell Cripps, baritone

Posted by bruce | Comments (0) | File in: arcana, tour diaries, visiting choirs | Permanent Link

PROMYS 2009 Feedback: Guys, Blog Here Please

November 12, 2009 | 10:46 AM

We're glad you're with us for PROMYS 2009. Let us know how you're doing with the music, your thoughts on the whole experience, and what we can do to make PROMYS even more interesting than it is. Just submit a comment to this post!

PROMYS 2009

Posted by bruce | Comment (1) | File in: PROMYS | Permanent Link

Thoughts on Kontakion

November 2, 2009 | 9:26 PM

In 1997 Chor Leoni commissioned Vancouver composer, Rupert Lang, to write a piece that would be featured in our annual Remembrance Day concerts. That commission resulted in Kontakion. The direction was to have some kind of audience sing-along aspect to the work, so Rupert incorporated a refrain that is repeated several times throughout the piece. That refrain is initially stated by a tenor soloist, and I’ve been honoured to be that particular singer.

I also sing with the Christ Church Cathedral choir, which Rupert directs. Shortly after the male choir version premiered he re-voiced Kontakion for mixed choirs and it was published by Boosey & Hawkes. The piece has gone on to choral fame around the world. (It’s on the Cathedral Choir’s CD, Celebrate!)

In addition to Chor Leoni’s Remembrance Day performances, Kontakion has been performed at state events such as the memorial service for Princess Diana, the Vancouver service after 9/11, annually for All Souls Day, and at intimate funerals.

Between Chor Leoni and the Cathedral Choir I’ve sung that opening statement countless times now. I love its deceptive simplicity (it sits in a fairly treacherous tenor range) and the way the melody lifts to the high G flat on “life” - which by then does feel like it is everlasting!

I feel privileged to sing it, but what I didn’t count on was that whole “ageing thing” and the way the piece has become freighted with meaning as the years layer on experience. Whether it’s from the passing of an admired public figure, the parent of a fellow singer, my best friend, or my father, Kontakion has become layered with memories that are difficult to contain while maintaining any sense of the necessary singing technique to successfully negotiate it well. (One year I lost it completely and ended up singing with tears running down my cheeks.)

Singers learn tricks to get through such emotional moments - I think of doing the dishes - but nothing ever really prepares me for the climactic moment where the pipe organ swells, the choral texture thickens, the audience is in full voice singing along, and the solo line echos The Last Post.

I’m proud that Kontakion happened because of Chor Leoni, and thankful to Rupert for writing such a wonderful piece of music. So this year when the opportunity arrives, sing out, even if it’s with a lump in your throat. It’s wonderfully cathartic – and everyone around you will understand.

Bruce Hoffman, second tenor

Posted by bruce hoffman, 2nd tenor | Comments (3) | File in: inside Chor Leoni, performances | Permanent Link

Portrait of a Singer As a (Somewhat) Young Man

October 28, 2009 | 10:35 AM

Let me start by saying that I was at one time the youngest member of CL. I am now 24, and...well...not the youngest member. You may have noticed the fresh faces that have been joining the choir in the last few years. CL has some awesome young talent to complement the experience and wisdom of the ‘Geritones’.

As you faithful readers are aware, we have a PROMYS program that brings high school-aged guys into the choir. We have had the pleasure this year of accepting fourteen fantastic young men into our intensive fall program that involves singing some of the music in the Remembrance concerts. I am actually worried that the Metropolitan Opera might snatch a couple of them before we get to perform with them on November 11th. We have a couple returns from previous PROMYS events, and even a brother of a current CL member. I only wonder if I was nearly as talented, fun, and polite at their age. Mum, don’t answer that one.

Helping to organize this program is a great honour...most of the time. It has also put me in the position of potentially being referred to by this wonderful bunch as the well meaning, but dreaded Mister Cripps. Until now, I have avoided this, partly by having an older brother (Russell, also in the choir) who is a teacher. I figure he has double the right to be given this title. Even worse is being asked how many children I have of my own by the six year olds in the brilliant Zing! Children’s Choir; but I digress.

I would simply like to thank our city’s music educators for laying the foundation for these young men to flourish, to the young men for your dedication and musicality, and to Diane and the men of CL for your willingness to mentor and spread the ‘gospel’ of male singing.

Spencer Cripps, Baritone

ps. Who knew that the fear of ageing is called ‘gerascophobia’? Not that I have it or anything…

(Ed: We'd like to point out that the author remains one of the fresher-faced members of the ensemble, despite his stated concerns.)

Posted by Spencer Cripps, baritone | Comments (0) | File in: inside Chor Leoni, PROMYS | Permanent Link

And Now a Word From the Captain (von Trapp, that is)

October 19, 2009 | 11:34 AM

I first came across Chor Leoni when I heard, and subsequently bought, their Christmas CD, Yuletide Fires. There was something about the peaceful passion of the music which attracted me and kept me listening to it year-round, not just at Christmas time.

As a professional actor, one often has to do all sorts of other things to pay the rent during those periods when you're not working (which are all too frequent) and for many years, I had been a member of a quartet that sang carols during the Christmas season. One year, I was invited to a party with some professional singer friends and I had been telling them how much I'd enjoyed singing in a quartet. One of them said "You should audition for Chor Leoni". I laughed and thought there's no way I could possibly be a candidate for this amazing choir that I listened to month in and month out.

However, I decided to honour my new year's resolution to open myself up to new challenges, so I bit the bullet, and emailed to express an interest in auditioning. I knew their year started in September, so I was a little premature and fully expected to be asked to audition much later in the Spring or Summer. Almost immediately I received an email from Diane Loomer asking me if I could come in the following Wednesday. Nervously I dusted off a classical piece I'd learned at theatre school 16 years previously, as well as a couple of show tunes. After what seemed like an eternity of scales, sight reading, reading different languages, Diane asked me to sit while she consulted with someone. Imagine my surprise when she not only said they'd be happy for me to join the choir, but that they'd like me to stay for the rehearsal that very night!

And so began my adventure into a world of music that I'd never known. Languages I'd never spoken. Lots of laughter. The guys welcomed me into their ranks warmly and I was struck by the true sense of ensemble. These men really cared for each other, really cared about the music they were singing and really cared about excellence in their craft - but not at the expense of having a good time.

Over the next 3 or 4 years, my acting work came and went (I've never been able to sing at the wonderful Bard concerts because of my own gigs doing Shakespeare elsewhere in the country), but the music of Chor Leoni has continuously been a source of joy and a way to sustain my soul when work was scarce. Here was a creative outlet for me to throw myself into every week. I got to perform regularly and it made me feel connected. And because we often have to learn a lot of music in a very short period of time, my sight-reading grew stronger and stronger. This has been enormously helpful to me in my work as an actor - you never know in an audition if they're going to give you a piece of music to sing and being able to read it quickly and accurately is a huge benefit.

In the summer of 2008, I started a long gig performing in the Andrew Lloyd-Webber/Mirvish production of The Sound of Music in Toronto. Playing in the ensemble and understudying the lead role of Captain von Trapp has been a career highlight for me. The production has won awards left, right and centre and being a part of it has been a true privilege. In my programme bio, I proudly state that I'm a member of this choir and it amazes me how many people know and love our music.

18 months later, I'm looking at returning home to Vancouver and what are the things I've missed most about my time away? Well, there are the mountains, the fresh air, the beach 3 blocks from my apartment. But there is also Chor Leoni, which is not just a choir to me. It's a community of men inspired by a wonderful woman, men who have a passion for music and for each other. I can't wait to be back in the ranks.

Posted by Ian Farthing | Comment (1) | File in: inside Chor Leoni | Permanent Link

Would You Like a Slice of Chor Leoni With That Beer?

October 13, 2009 | 9:44 AM

Chor Leoni... choir of lions... lions have a den, right? Well, if you've heard a growl or two (sometimes "woot" or "represent!") near 45th and Yew... chances are us cats are chewing on some delectable tune. And the chewing continues after rehearsal, not too far away.

One of our favourite hang-outs is George's Pizza (6109 West Boulevard - between 45th & 46th). A few minutes after 10 pm on most Wednesdays, you'll spot a hungry lion (or 2, or 5, or 23!) who show up at this Kerrisdale institution for a post-rehearsal brew-ha. The staff are like family to us. The pizza is fantastic (yes, there is a pizza named after us), excellent calamari, onion rings, and greek salad too. And of course, beer! Beer - makes you [think you] sing better... and with such volume! Isn't that how national anthems are born?

So if you ever wanna be a fly on the wall of a lion's den, you know the time, you know the place. We'll laugh at your jokes, get philosophical (or philos-if-I-know, as I like to say)... we'll raise a glass and maybe even serenade you. And... we won't bite - unless you are a pizza.

submitted by the not-so-quiet (even pre-beer) - Les Nerling, baritone

Posted by Les Nerling | Comments (0) | File in: inside Chor Leoni | Permanent Link

An "Average" Singer's View - From a Remarkable Man

October 5, 2009 | 11:00 AM

As an “average” singer who does not have a musical education or voice training and who unashamedly admits that my “ticket” to singing in Chor Leoni is being married to the conductor, I never cease to wonder that this group of men, some of whom are very good musicians but many, like me, are average, have managed to build and sustain this ensemble which seems to have no limit to it’s popularity and the acclaim which it receives from the public and the musical community.

What is it about a group of men who sing well that stirs crowds, impresses musicians and judges, and inspires other choirs? Perhaps it’s our willingness to discipline ourselves to practice and blend, perhaps our sense of “all for one” community, perhaps the span of ages 19 – 74 and occupations - blue collars to 3 piece suits or perhaps our devotion to our conductor (my personal weakness) or perhaps it’s because we love to sing. Oops - Time to stop pondering and start practicing.

Dick Loomer, bass

Posted by bruce | Comments (0) | File in: inside Chor Leoni | Permanent Link