Music celebrates 40 years

A committee of graduates and professors emeriti met several times to select the list.
 
The 10 selected are:
• Dennis Beck, teacher, conductor
• Bert Carriere, musical director and Member of the Order of Canada
• Robert Cooper, choral conductor, music producer, Member of the Order of Canada
• Ken Fleet, teacher, award-winning choral conductor
• Elaine Overholt, soprano, vocal coach to the stars
• Adrianne Pieczonka, soprano, Kammersängerin and Officer of the Order of Canada
• Louise Pitre, actor, singer, songwriter, Broadway star
• Michael Schade, tenor, Kammersänger
• Nancy Telfer, composer
• Barbara Willis Sweete, film producer, founding partner of Rhombus Media, Oscar winner 

The Western alumni will be honoured at a dinner on Oct. 31 that also celebrates the faculty’s 40th anniversary.
 
The following day, alumni will join current students for two concerts. At 3 p.m. the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will perform with alumni, and special guest conductor Don McKellar. At 7:30 p.m., all five choirs will present their annual Choral Celebration with the bonus of alumni and return appearance by revered choral conductor Deral Johnson. Both concerts are at Alumni Hall.
 
The popular Choral Celebration features a wide array of music this year. From a selection from Brahms’ Requiem to a Gloria by Harry Somers; Fanfare for a Festival by Ron Nelson to Zadok the Priest by Handel.
 
The Don Wright Faculty of Music has long been recognized for achievements in choral music.

 

The program was established in 1969 by professor emeritus Deral Johnson. Western’s choirs have been repeat winners in the CBC choral competition and the Canadian Music Educators’ Association Performance Awards. They placed first in the BBC International Choral Competition Let the People Sing, and performed by invitation at national conventions of the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors and the American Choral Directors Association. Collectively, the choirs have received more than 20 national and international awards.
 
The annual Choral Celebration consistently sells out.

 

Here are the details for some of the weekend anniversary events: 

40th Anniversary Alumni Dinner, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m., Greek Canadian Club

Band Gala Concert, Nov. 1, 3 p.m. Alumni Hall (Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors/students)
 
Choral Celebration, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., Alumni Hall, (Tickets $15 adults, $10 seniors/students)

Pass for both concerts $20

Tickets are available at Orchestra London 519-679-8778 or cash at the door. 

 

For a complete schedule of events and information, click here.