MANITOULIN—It appears that a total of 60 choristers will take to the stage at the Island Singers 60th anniversary celebration concert this Saturday, April 20 at Manitoulin Secondary School.
“We were hoping to have 60 choristers for the concert, and if we don’t, we will be really close,” stated Chris Theijsmeijer. “We’ve had a variety of alumni choristers on hand for the season and some that will be on hand for three songs at the concert. And there are alumni that will not be singing but just want to attend the concert.”
“Along with performing choir songs, there will be smaller group pieces and people who will be playing instrumentals to accompany the choir,” explained Mr. Theijsmeijer.
The Island Singers are celebrating a big milestone this year, with 60 years of singing together.
“The Island Singers was founded in 1964 as the Little Current Glee Club by Ruth Ashley who directed and accompanied the singers,” Mr. Theijsmeijer explained previously. “The Glee Club performed skits and musical selections to Manitoulin audiences.”
Shortly after Manitoulin Secondary School opened in 1969, practices moved there to become more central, and the club rebranded to the Manitoulin Glee Club to reflect their more central location.
Ruth Ashley led the choir until her retirement in 1980 when Marilyn Burns, Jan Luff, Marion Seabrook, Marilyn Closs and Joanne Smith took over, said Mr. Theijsmeijer. “In the next three years, the club performed three musicals: ‘Fiddler on The Roof,’ ‘Brigadoon,’ and ‘The Music Man.’ After this, the club returned to choral music, with the four leaders taking turns conducting.”
Ruth (Ashley) was the founder, director, conductor, you name it,” said Barb Cranston of Little Current. “And she led three choirs that played at the United Church in Little Current. She was a very talented lady, and she directed skits as well.”
“Dorothy Anstice took on conducting in 1987 and formalized the club as a choir with Holly Scott joining as accompanist in 1990. In the spring of 1991, a guest conductor from Queen’s University visited the group and suggested a name change. Dorothy instituted the current name, ‘The Island Singers,’ that year,” continued Mr. Theijsmeijer. “Under the direction of Ms. Anstice, the choir performed several major works, including Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria,’ Mozart’s ‘Missa Brevis’ and Brahms ‘Zigeunerlieder.’ They hosted several guest conductors and choirs who joined their voices in combined choral concerts.”
Chris and Heather Theijsmeijer joined the Island Singers as choristers in the spring of 2009, and when Dorothy Anstice and Holly Scott retired in 2015, there was one season of singing with three conductors (Chris, Ann-Marie and Ray Scott) each taking on one-third of the directing of the Christmas concert, with Ray Scott and Sam Cooper accompanying. From spring 2015 to the current season, Chris Theijsmeijer has been the musical director, with Heather Theijsmeijer administrating. Accompanists have been Ray Scott, Arik Theijsmeijer, Sam Cooper, Linda Wilton and Mike McCormick.
“This year marks 60 years that The Island Singers have shared their musical talent with Manitoulin audiences. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with Manitoulin audiences. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with special nods to past members and conductors!”
Mr. Theijsmeijer said it is hoped a huge crowd will be on hand for the concert.
The concert begins at 2 pm this Saturday, April 20 at Manitoulin Secondary School. Tickets are $20 at the door, children 12 and under are free.
