The Naramata Community Choir is presenting a joint concert with the Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir this weekend.
The timing couldn’t have been better for Naramata Community Choir director Justin Glibbery who said the local singers are celebrating their 51st anniversary and are keen on recruiting more males voices.
“We know there are a lot of men in this community, from Naramata to Summerland who are great singers and maybe just need to try it out,” said Glibbery. “Choir is fun, but challenging, as we continually strive for improving musical results. We would love to add a few more talented singers, men especially to our great group.”
The Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir was formed in 1992 for men of all ages who enjoy singing. Orpheus focuses on popular songs from many times and lands, including Broadway show tunes, spirituals, sea shanties and rousing male voice classics. The group has been on tour in the Kootenays this week and Penticton is their one stop in the Okanagan Valley.
The visiting voices will be singing from their Best of Orpheus 20-year anniversary highlights, and Naramata tenors and basses will join in for a classic Canadian folk piece. The two choirs, totalling over 90 voices strong, will perform one rousing piece together. Female choir members will enjoy the spotlight, with their own special number. The concert includes a special appearance by Liz Lupton and the Fiddlekidz, which will add some strings and twangs to a great Appalachian favourite.
Glibbery said anyone interested in joining the Naramata Community Choir can come to rehearsals on Tuesday evenings between September and June. The group has about three or four performances a year.
Tickets for the joint concert with the Vancouver Orpheus Male choir are $15 for adults, $10 for students and are available at the Dragon’s Den, the Penticton United Church office (open to 1 p.m. daily), the Naramata Store and from Naramata choir members. The performance takes place on June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Penticton United Church. There is general seating and doors open at 6:45 p.m. Glibbery suggests purchasing tickets in advance as there will be limited tickets available at the door.