It's a rare and prestigious occasion when the National Youth Choir performs in Lethbridge. What makes the event even better is when three University of Lethbridge singers are being featured.

This year three of the four Alberta singers in the National Youth Choir are from the U of L. They will be performing Sunday, May 16, 7 p.m. at Southminster United Church, the only Alberta stop for the choir during their national tour.

The National Youth Choir is one of this nation's national treasures, featuring 40 of the best voices in the country.

"National Youth Choir represents the cream of the crop of choral singers," says Kade Hogg,
U of L alumnus and music director for Southminster United Church and a former National Youth Choir performer. "Four singers are selected from each province; a soprano, alto, tenor and bass; auditioned through their provincial choir association."

U of L Bachelor of Music majors Jason Ragan, Aaron Bartholomew and Kristina Alexander spent an intensive week rehearsing with the choir in Saskatoon, Sask. before starting out on a week-long national tour.

Sponsored by the Association of Canadian Choral Communities, the National Youth Choir has delighted audiences and provided invaluable opportunities to vocalists biannually since 1984.

"As an alumnus of the National Youth Choir, I'm very excited to have them performing in Lethbridge," says Hogg. "Southminster is honoured that we are the only venue hosting the choir in Alberta. Members of our congregation are billeting the singers during their stay and providing meals in their honour."

Tickets for the event are available by calling the Southminster United Church office at 403-327-3404. Prices are $15 for regular admission and $10 for students.

"This concert is a perfect opportunity for our community to hear this great choir and support our own U of L students," says Hogg. "Who knows, this
opportunity may never happen again in Lethbridge."