Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
Westman’s Polyphony is only in its second season, but the choir has already made its mark on the music scene with its style and blend. Many of its members are Brandon University music students, local teachers and youth choir alumni who are delighted to continue the “Westman Youth Choir experience” in this new choir. Members hail from many different communities, including Thompson, Portage, Oak Lake, Virden, Strathclair, Gladstone, Killarney, Moosomin, Fort Francis, Minnedosa, Neepawa, and Brandon. (KEYSTONE PHOTO)
Lovers of great choral music will want to mark a very special upcoming event on their calendars.
On Nov. 10, the Brandon choral group Polyphony will be hosting an outstanding choir from Winnipeg called ECCO.
The name ECCO is derived from the Greek spelling of ‘echo’. Through the diversity of its membership, this ensemble strives to echo back what they hear in their community.
ECCO has found a unique niche in the Winnipeg music community. They have a focus on community and family, and participate in a variety of musical events that are themed.
ECCO is conducted by Carrie Schellenberg Wilson of Winnipeg, who is in her sixth year as artistic director of this group. Leanne Regehr Lee serves as accompanist for the ensemble.
Audiences in Brandon will delight in seeing some very fine Westman choristers who currently sing with this Winnipeg choir, including Janet Isaac of Sinclair and Alyssa Archibald of Killarney,
Meanwhile, Polyphony is entering their second season. The group had a very short season last year, but made an impression with audiences with their colourful style and beautiful blend.
The choir boasts 27 talented members, including many Brandon University music students and a few local teachers.
Many were members of the Western Manitoba Youth Choir and Central Manitoba Youth Choir in their high school years and are delighted to have the chance to continue with a similar experience. The group concept is that of creating the ‘Westman Youth Choir experience continued.’
Members hail from many different communities, including Thompson, Portage, Oak Lake, Virden, Strathclair, Gladstone, Killarney, Moosomin, Fort Francis, Minnedosa, Neepawa, and Brandon.
Michelle Chyzyk of Virden leads Polyphony and she really appreciates the opportunity to work with singers of this calibre from so many different communities.
The ensemble includes eight of her favourite former Virden Collegiate Institute choral students and this is a real treat. The formation of this group has been a dream of Chyzyk’s for many years.
"I look forward to Thursday nights and working with this vibrant group of young people," she said. "They are such gifted musicians and the nicest people. I leave for my drive home feeling extremely energized."
"I wouldn’t be the person I am today, if I had not participated in the WMYC experience," said bass Mike Urichuk, when asked why he likes being a part of Polyphony.
"Singing is something that I really value as a person. Singing is not just an art, but also an activity that engages the mind, body, and spirit." he said.
"Choirs have always been a setting where I feel like I belong. Now a member of Polyphony, I find myself in a similar choir full of optimistic individuals that love the music that we are able to make together.
"It is awesome to work under the direction of a conductor (Michelle Chyzyk) who is so encouraging, committed and passionate about all we do as a choir."
Mike is training to be a music teacher and looks forward to creating similar experiences for the students he will work with in the years ahead.
Lisa Van Mackelbergh, herself an aspiring young choral conductor, spoke of Brandon’s incredible community of young multi-talented musicians featured in Polyphony. She says the group can’t wait to share their music with the general public.
Meaghan Lawson is the fresh-faced young band teacher from Killarney School who travels each week to collaborate with the others. She enjoys the chance to make music for herself once a week.
Repertoire at the concert will include many a cappella works, both classic and contemporary, as well some accompanied by piano, djembe, and clarinet.
One of the group’s talented tenors, Rory Graham, has created an exciting arrangement of U2’s "Where the Streets Have No Name", which will be premiered that night.
Some group favourites include the beautiful "Requiem" dedicated to the Asian tsunami of 2004, an eight-part motet written by Italian composer Antonio Lotti, and the haunting "Famine Song" featuring a duet by Emma and Alexis Lytle.
Polyphony will also entertain with a flamboyant Haitian folk song, the powerful African "Thula Sizwe" and "Be My Friend" from the Broadway musical Edges.
The final program is not completed yet, but there is a possibility of the groups combining for a number or two.
This shared concert will feature a large variety of music performed by some of the most incredible young voices of our area — a feast for both the eyes and ears.
This special concert will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Brandon on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10.
» Submitted
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition October 25, 2012
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Lovers of great choral music will want to mark a very special upcoming event on their calendars.
On Nov. 10, the Brandon choral group Polyphony will be hosting an outstanding choir from Winnipeg called ECCO.
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Lovers of great choral music will want to mark a very special upcoming event on their calendars.
On Nov. 10, the Brandon choral group Polyphony will be hosting an outstanding choir from Winnipeg called ECCO.
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