As they often say, it’s the youth that will lead the way to tomorrow — and that happens to be the case for Music Niagara’s 26th season.
The organization’s annual Summer Festival will kick off with the Young Virtuoso and Choral Festival Series, running from Sunday, June 16 to Friday, July 5.
Five chamber choirs from a diverse array of backgrounds, all comprised of young singers, will perform at venues across Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Opening up the season will be the Oakville Choir for Children & Youth, who will give a free performance at the Ironwood Cider House on June 16 at 4 p.m.
This choir, made up of seven ensembles for individuals aged 4 to 20, is known for its exceptional music education and encouraging leadership and community enagement among young singers.
Next, hailing from coastal California, the Young Women’s Chorus of San Francisco will perform at 7 p.m. on June 25 at St. Mark’s Church.
This choir was founded in 2012 and was praised by the American Record Guide for its “refined and beautifully controlled singing.” It’s earned accolades such as the American Prize in Choral Performance and the Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence.
The following day, June 26, the festival is back at the Ironwood Cider House for another afternoon performance, this time from Philippine Madrigal Singers, at 4 p.m.
Joining Music Niagara from the University of the Philippines, the group was founded in 1963 and has been recognized by UNESCO as Artists for Peace, for their efforts in promoting cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue and a culture of peace.
The festival will be back at the St. Mark’s Church on June 30 with an afternoon performance from Yip’s Ensembles and the Canadian Youth Chinese Orchestra at 4 p.m.
This concert will talk its audience through diverse musical genres, from classical to contemporary and folk traditions, celebrating musical diversity and collaboration.
Finally, on July 5, for the final performance in the Young Virtuoso and Choral Festival Series, the Monaco Boys Choir will be at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre in Niagara Falls, for a performance at 7 p.m.
This ensemble has a rich heritage dating back to its foundation in 1974 and boasts a prestigious presence as part of the Monaco Cathedral Choir. This group has become a global embassador of Monaco’s cultural and performing arts tradition.
For more information about each performance, and to purchase tickets for these and other Music Niagara concerts this season, visit musicniagara.org/concerts-2.
