Barry's Blog

Timbre! Choir of Port Alberni announces concert season

Patricia Miller

Timbre! Choir with musical director Patricia Miller will present two concerts this season. Both concerts will held in the new ADSS Theatre on Roger Street.

The first, titled A Christmas Celebration, will take place on Sunday, December 15 at 2:30 pm and will feature a diverse selection of seasonal music. The concert has traditionally been one of the Alberni Valley’s most popular musical events of the holiday season. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

Piano accompanist for A Christmas Celebration will be Vancouver pianist Sarah Hagen. Hagen is a sought-after soloist and chamber musician who has performed in concerts across Canada as well as in the United States, France, Italy, Germany and Sweden. Closer to home, she has been on faculty at the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre for over 10

years and is also well-known for her intimate lecture recitals in smaller venues such as the lobbies of Nanaimo’s Port Theatre and the Sid Williams’ Theatre in Courtenay. Audiences learn what inspires and drives each composer. They also gain insight into the pianist's perspective and enjoy a discussion over a cup of tea or a glass of wine. Sarah promotes a relatively informal ambiance, providing opportunity to ask questions, or voice opinions if one so desires!

Sarah Hagan

This year, musical director Patricia Miller has chosen a potpourri of both old and new carols. Excerpts from Messiah by Handel will hold their traditional place in the program alongside such new compositions as Benjamin Britten's A New Year Carol and songs by the famous British composer, John Rutter. On the lighter side there will a special guest appearance by the Russell Cripps Vocal Quartet from Vancouver who will perform the Drifters’ doo-wop version of White Christmas.

Tickets will be available beginning in early November at Rollin Arts Centre, Echo Centre, Somass Drugs, Salmonberry’s and at the door. Ticket prices are Adults and Seniors $15, Children and Students $5. Ticket reservations: For those not living in Port Alberni who would like to attend this concert please send a cheque made out to Timbre! c/o Barry Miller, 6601 Golden Eagle Way, Nanaimo, BC, V9V 1P8. Your reserved ticket can be picked up at the box office on the day of the performance. For further information check out Timbre!’s website at www.timbrechoir.com.

Timbre!’s second concert is titled The Peacemakers and is scheduled for May 11 at 2:30 at the ADSS Theatre. Featured will be compositions by Karl Jenkins, The Beatles, and others. Accompanying the concert will be pianist Danielle Marcinek, who has just returned from the United Kingdom, along with the Barry Miller Jazz trio. More details in the New Year.

Instead of being part of the audience - Why not sing?

Timbre! encourages singers who would like to join a group dedicated to producing a fine choral sound to contact them. The choir is a four-part ensemble and welcomes choristers of all voice types - soprano, alto, tenor and bass. Teenagers are also most welcome.

For information, please phone Karen Sparrow at 1-250-724-5244 (Port Alberni) or the musical director Patricia Miller at 1-250-390-7508 (Nanaimo). The musical director will set up a time with you to meet privately to determine your range, pitch and tonal control. Be prepared to sing a short solo of your choosing. It doesn't need to be elaborate, anything from O Canada to Silent Night will do. You may then be asked to join with the choir for two or three rehearsals after which the musical director will call you to fill a possible opening.