Townsman, 1991-11, Page 34an opportunity to come home. Well-
known and highly respected vocalists,
like Carol Ann Feldstein, Brian McIn-
tosh, Kevin McMillan, Susan Cooper
and Leslie Fagan are all alumni of
LDSS and protege of the school's for-
mer music teachers — the late Lorne
Willits, and Gerald Fagan and Laurie
Rowbotham, who each in their turn
conducted the oft heralded LDSS
choirs through the 60's into the 90's.
The Listowel Concert Singers
are proud of their record of presenting
a wide variety of musical styles such
as oratorios and anthems of com-
posers from Vivaldi and Rutter to
Bach and Mozart. The extensive
musical repertoire and performance
standards expected by the conductor
and the choir have kept audiences
faithful and garnered new attention to
the appeal of vocal music. Through
the dedication and enthusiasm of the
members, the choir continues to grow,
not just in numbers but professionally
as well. Perhaps, more importantly
they have, through time earned the
respectful admiration of colleagues
and peers. Soloist Daniel Lichti, who
has performed with the choir com-
pared them favourably with the
Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Mr.
Gracey said, while the Orchestra Lon-
don conductor claimed the choir's
1988 performance of "Messiah" was
the best he had been part of, including
some in British cathedrals.
To maintain the high quality
level, the Listowel Concert Singers
meet weekly to rehearse for the two or
three full programs they do each year.
These include a Christmas concert, a
late winter concert of one or more
major choral works and/or a late
spring performance. Featured in these
productions have been such master-
pieces as Mendelssohn's "Elijah",
Bach's "Christmas Oratorio" and
Mozart's "Requiem". This year, the
choir, once again, rises to the chal-
lenge of Handel's "Messiah" on
December 14, in addition to perform-
ing "0 Canada" on February 29, a cel-
ebration of work from Canadian
composers in honour of the nation's
125th birthday, and "Saint Paul" on
May 23.
Doing justice to the works of
Tim Gilbert has guided the helm of
Listowel Concert Singers since 1987.
lenge the choir faces. To delight in
the thrill of being part of this extraor-
dinary musical effort is only a small
part of the requirement. In order to
generate the $10,000 cost of providing
professional orchestral and vocal
accompaniment, ticket receipts must
be supplemented with donations from
the community. In addition to giving
of rehearsal time, the choir is con-
stantly kept busy with fundraising
efforts, like June's Strawberry Supper,
as well.
Though the idea of giving voice
is one that is easy for many a com-
mittment to all aspects is what makes
the goal attainable, the dream a reali-
ty, the challenge not insurmountable.
After seven seasons, The Listowel
Concert Singers have perpetuated a
match between commitment and qual-
ity that is the key to their success.
Mntng Out?
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ETERNITY!
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great composers is not the only chal-
32 TOWNSMAN/NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1991
BEST SELECTION OF ETERNITY AND DIAMOND
RINGS IN THE AREA!
176 Main St. W., Listowel, Ont.
David Hicks . Telephone 291-3661
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