Music fans are in for a unique treat this Monday, as the University of Alberta’s Mixed Chorus continues a tradition as old as its existence, embarking on its Spring Tour.
The Chorus has been around since 1944, and every year it has a tour. This Monday, April 27, they will be at Kaleidoscope Theatre to share its unique musical sound. Robert de Frece, originally from Three Hills, has been conducting them for 29 years and as a student in the 1960’s, he and his wife performed with the Mixed Chorus.
“I remember singing in Drumheller,” he tells inSide Drumheller. “It is something I really like to do, I never thought that when I was singing in the 1960’s, I would become the director. It gets into your blood. They are wonderful young people, and I really enjoy it.”
The Chorus has up to 120 singers, however this tour will include about 50-60 performers. They bring a selection of music that will be familiar to a wide audience.
“We certainly want to sing some great music from the past, but this year we are finishing with a Broadway medley called Ragtime, and some well known folk songs, so people will hear a range of things. Our theme this year is ‘Renaissance to Ragtime.’”
The Chorus will not be alone; they are bringing a Hand Bell ensemble.
“They are sponsored by the Faculty of Education. This group performs quite widely, and also performs almost every single year with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra,” said de Frece. “So it is a group of 14 ringers and they play 75 English Hand Bells and 56 chimes. I say this is the original ‘Heavy Metal.’ There is a lot of metal and 28 hands to pick up all the bells they have to play.’
The ringers will play one selection with the Mixed Chorus.
“So there is a lot to watch as well as to hear,” he said.
