Cyber-savvy singers sign up for choral workshop, performance

April 5, 2009

Within minutes of the launch of on-line opportunity to sign up to sing with two of the finest gospel/choral musicians in Canada, music lovers were registering to be part of the New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts. Pre-registration began April 4.

The Festival runs May 20-24, and includes a choral music workshop with Canadian bluegrass and gospel legend Ken Whiteley and noted conductor and singer Vicki St. Pierre, on Saturday, May 23. On Sunday, May 24, the singers from the workshop will perform at the Festival's finale, a gospel concert featuring the Ken Whiteley Band, Vicki St. Pierre, pianist Charlene Nafziger (best known as accompanist for Cynthia Dale), and keyboard player/organist David Sapelak.

The Saturday workshop (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) takes place at Zion United Church; the Sunday concert (2 p.m.) will be held in the new concert hall at Steinmann Mennonite Church.

Vicki St. Pierre is also Music Director of the New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts. She says, "We know the choral music events are going to be superb. We're going to try to accept everyone who wants to sing, but I encourage music lovers to register as soon as possible."

The workshop and concert are just two of 11 events that form the first annual New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts (www.newhamburglive.ca). The five-day festival includes concerts, an art show, author events, a youth concert and dance and drums by native Canadians.

Cost for singers to attend the workshop and sing in the concert is only $20 per person. Tickets to the concert alone are $10. Both tickets are 25% off for holders of the New Hamburg Live! Passport (see www.newhamburglive.ca).

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Editors: For more information, call Paul or Nancy Knowles (519) 662-6757; cell (519) 575-0271, or email Paul Knowles.

Accompanying photo: Vicki St, Pierre, Music Director, New Hamburg Live! Festival of the Arts. Click here to download »