Notice Board

Not even a global pandemic has stopped the University of Lethbridge Singers from staying connected and singing, albeit virtually, for what has proven to be an exceptionally challenging semester. Despite the many obstacles that have stood in the way of traditional choral singing this fall, the U of L Singers will perform an online concert entitled, Journeys. A University of Lethbridge Singers Concert, Pandemic Edition, November 28, at 7:30 pm, showcasing their passion, devotion and talents and thanks to the drive and determination of their director, Dr. Janet Youngdahl. Connecting from locations across the province and even internationally, the University Singers promise a celebration of song, delivered to audiences’ private screens.

“It is an unusual, diverse concert full of the talents of the amazing, dedicated students who come together each week to sing. But alas, not together,” says Youngdahl. Through limited technology, the Singers meet every week, through Zoom and do their best to practice together. “I do not hear their voices. We can’t hear one another at the same time. They can’t hear any other singers in the choir while they are singing. It is only a choir if you are a true believer that if a tree falls in the forest, it does make a sound,” explains Dr. Youngdahl. “Somewhere out there in the universe, my choir students - who are spread from Lethbridge to Cardston to Calgary to Red Deer to Lacombe to Spain - are singing together. We have to keep holding onto the feeling, the memory of what it means to sing together because we can’t right now.”

During the concert, audiences will hear one choral piece, Blue Ridge by Elaine Hagenberg, thanks to the technological proficiencies of individual students, who have edited each singer’s parts into a full choral work. “I chose this piece because of the shifting, simmering, gauzy texture that I thought might work in a virtual context. It was a tremendous journey to build this one recording,” says Youngdahl.

The concert will also feature contributions by soloists, duet partners, trios, guitarists, dancers and readers of poetry. Dr. Youngdahl encourages anyone, wherever they may be, to attend this unique performance. “Come to this concert. The students will capture your heart as they have mine.”

Reserve your pass to this online performance through ulethbridge.ca/tickets. Passes are $10 per household, by Visa or Mastercard only. The Box Office is closed for in person sales, but are responding to email inquiries, Monday – Friday, 12:30pm – 3:30pm: boxoffice@uleth.ca