A chamber choir concert in Qualiucm Beach this weekend will feature music spanning five centuries, captivating solos and a 12-piece orchestra.
Island Consort, a 17-member choir based in Nanaimo, is performing a program called Echoes, pairs of contrasting works with the same title.
This includes Ave Maria by Josquin des Prez from the Renaissance period as well as Ave Maria by Gioachino Rossini, best known for his 19th century operas.
Local singer and soloist with the choir Skye Donald said it’s a program she thinks the audience will enjoy.
“The music starts with early music and it’s really sublime, very long vocal sounds, it’s very smooth and I think it’s very relaxing,” she said, adding the second half of the concert is more modern music and ends on a lighter note.
Donald has been singing for about 21 years and was asked to join the choir specifically for a challenging solo two years ago, which she graciously accepted. She is the choir director at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach and will be singing in the Vancouver Island Opera’s next recital in May.
She said she’s having a wonderful time with the Island Consort chamber choir, happy to be consistently challenged by the pieces.
Nanaimo tenor David Brown will also be performing solos in the concert, known locally for his appearances in the Parksville & District Community Choir’s Elijah, Messiah and most recently the Bach Christmas Oratorio.
Echoes will be performed at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach on Sat., April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and children under 12 are free. For tickets or details, contact Skye at skye@islay.ca.