M’CHIGEENG—The Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) cafeteria/concert hall was filled to overflowing on Saturday, April 20 as Islanders flocked to hear a special celebration of 60 years of performance by the Island Singers choral group. The afternoon proved to be an outstanding experience as the Island Singers’ current members were joined by numerous alumni and friends.
“We hoped to bring the community together, the alumni singers especially, but the community in general, who have enjoyed concerts over the past 60 years,” said conductor Chris Theijsmeijer. “We also hoped to find ways to recognize the history of the choir overall, with the selection of music and other additions to our regular concert. It was wonderful to see so many people come to the concert and hear their enjoyment of the whole afternoon. I was really happy to watch people engage with various aspects pieces, and I feel lucky to have been a part of the choir and its tradition of the arts in our community.”
Mr. Theijsmeijer was quick to deflect to fellow organizer Holly Scott, whose tireless efforts helped to make the show a success.
Ms. Scott was sceptical of the “tireless” denominator, but pronounced herself pleased with the outcome. “I think this concert is more about the people of the Island Singers than a write up about the songs,” she admonished. But we will write a bit about that as well.
The performance owed a great debt to accompanist Michael McCormick, whose stint at the ivories presented just the right balance to augment the choral effect, melding flawlessly with the voices. Jane Best provided a wonderful harp accompaniment to W. Ross’ ‘The Skye Boat Song’ ably soloed by Peter Gordon. Sonya Mulder provided an aerial accompaniment on violin for ‘Ava Maria’ and Ms. Scott took a turn at the keyboard to accompany long-time conductor Dorothy Anstice—causing the audience to leap to its feet in spontaneous ovation.
The next standing ovation went to the most remarkable Mason Animikwan, who performed his own classical music piece ‘Nocturne in F# Major.’ Mr. Theijsmeijer noted that Mason, who is graduating from MSS this year, is currently fundraising to purchase a professional keyboard. Keep your eye out for an opportunity to see Mason perform this summer—and bring your wallet to be part of his musical journey.
In a surprise appearance, Island Singer alumni Jim Smith arrived in costume hauling a vintage milk can in order to reprise his Tevia from Fiddler on the Roof. With wife Joanne on keyboard, Mr. Smith’s hilarious rendition brought the house down.
A series of folk songs were performed as part of the afternoon repertoire courtesy of Ben Lentir and friends, including his son George, who was part of the Island Singer male section.
“This was amazing,” said Ms. Anstice following the performance. “It was so wonderful to see, and hear, so many incredible voices.” She admits that the choral group she headed up and helped organize for many years is in good hands.
Jane Best, whose efforts on behalf of the choir have also been considerable through the years, agreed wholeheartedly. Ms. Best heads up the Manitoulin Community Choir, which is itself celebrating over a decade of bringing music to the Island and her group was given a shoutout by Mr. Theijsmeijer during the show.
“I was volunteered,” laughed chorister Tammy Bryan-Walsh, who is new to the Island Singers ranks when asked how she became involved. Ms. Walsh is a familiar voice at Island karaoke evenings and had attended a gathering the choral group had hosted. Is she hooked? “Oh, I think so,” she laughed, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
George Lentir said that, despite the music being slightly outside his comfort zone (he can often be found performing country, Gospel and bluegrass standards with his father Ben) he enjoyed the evening’s performance as well.
Laura Hunter, the new executive director of Manitoulin Legal Clinic and spouse of accompanist Mr. McCormick (he of Arrogant Worm fame), said that she has always been involved in choir groups and it was one of the first things she sought out when coming to Manitoulin. She said that joining the group was a great way to get to meet people in the community.
The Island Singers lineup included sopranos Clau Arcand, Annalee Cooper, Wendy Gauthier, Crystal Lentir, Heather Theijsmeijer, Tammy Bryan-Walsh, Michelle Cooper, Laura Hunter, Jane Prosser, Mary Jo Tracey, Lydia Burkein, Emily Deegan, Maggie Leclair and Holly Scott; altos Cecilia Baumann, Jakeline Bran, Barbara Grigg, Ramona Jaggard, Maya Baumann, Jade Danville, Lianne Hovingh, Willa Wilson, Donna Beam, Kari Gerhard and Courtney Oswald; tenors Brian Bird, Dick Maloney, Stephanie Steele, Jason Forrest, Jordan Moore, Peter Gordon and Kirsten Nelson; and bass Raymond Baumann, John Diebolt, Chris Litster, Jack Varieur, Kevin De Jong, Barry Grigg, Arik Theijsmeijer, David Williamson, Ben Dewar, George Lentir and Ethan Theijsmeijer.
The choral group always has an ear out for more voices. Contact Mr. Theijsmeijer at 705-968-0404 or email IslandSingers1@gmail.com to be added to their mailing list for upcoming performances or to find out more about becoming part of the group.
