The 2009 Coastal Sound International Choral Festival wrapped over the weekend and what a long two years it will be until the next offering of this biennial festival. I had the privilege of hearing several performances over the course of the week-long Festival and was reminded about the connecting power of music.
The Crystal Young Men, Coastal Sound Music Academy’s Youth Choir, Red Rose Children’s Choir of Lake Country, Zvonecek-Praha and several other choirs demonstrated that connection. Not only did these groups show amazing camaraderie by working together to make beautiful music they also showed that music can build friendships. Singers from California, Prague, Montreal, Port Elgin, Chicago and Coquitlam cheered each other on and shared their love of singing.
Choral singing is arguably one of the oldest art forms … long before radio, iTunes and blip.fm people came together to sing at church, at parties, at weddings and in their everyday lives. I’m reminded of the years I’ve spent singing in choirs and think it’s about time to get back to it … who needs a second soprano?