Part of Okotoks’ largest concert choir is headed abroad.
After a break from international performance since 2019, the Big Rock Singers are headed to Italy for the 2023 Verona International Choral Competition next month and in preparation for the trip, they will deliver two performances, dubbed Viva Italia, on April 1 at Okotoks United Church.
“Because it’s such a longstanding festival, participation is usually significant,” said artistic and music director Carey Gruber.
“We’ll be not just the only Canadian choir participating, but the only North American choir, so probably the only choir singing in English.”
Following their performance in Verona, they hit the road for concerts in Florence, Rome, and take part in the Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Preparations for the trip have been underway since last spring.
“It has been a real musical stretch for the Italy tour choir,” Gruber said, adding the choir has pieces prepared in five languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish and Latin.
All of the music performed is written by Canadian composers on Canadian topics.
Kicking off their performance is High Flight, based on a poem by John Gillespie Magee Jr., as well as the Rankin Family’s We Rise Again.
This is the third such overseas concert for the choir, a special opportunity, Gruber said.
“The experience of international performance is really incredible for us as Canadians, because it gives us a chance to not only represent Okotoks, but also Alberta and Canada on the international stage,” Gruber said.
“Choral music is so huge in Europe, and to be able to sing in venues that are hundreds of years old is just not something we have the ability to do here.
“For the singers, it’s an unparalleled choral experience.”
The concerts take place at 4 and 7:30 p.m. April 1 at Okotoks United Church. Tickets are available in advance only and can be obtained by email at [email protected].
