Award winning tenor trio to sing in Wheat City Saturday

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This article was published 22/11/2013 (4627 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tenore, the three-time GMA award-winning tenor group, will make a stop in the Wheat City as part of their North American tour this weekend for one show only, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Central United Church.

Created by Jill Ann Siemens, founder of multi-platinum recording artists, Tenore (previously known as The Canadian Tenors) has crisscrossed the globe, bringing their music and joy to fans around the world.

After exploding onto the Canadian Gospel Music scene in 2011, their debut soared to international acclaim.

Their new album, “Christmas With You,” released on Nov. 5, features both classics and originals, including holiday classics “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “O Holy Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”

Recorded in Nashville, Chicago and Toronto with a collective of world-class producers, musicians and a 50-piece orchestra, “Christmas With You” combines the true spirit and magic of the holiday season with Tenore’s diverse vocal harmonies.

Mark Williams, Jason Catron, David Wise and swing tenor Kevin Pauls unite to bring audiences an incredible concert experience. With album sales in the tens of thousands and hundreds of concerts, the trio has established themselves as fan favourites.

Siemens contacted Lisa Vasconcelos, artistic director of Mecca Productions, to explore the possibility of a Brandon stop on the tour.

“I encouraged Tenore to come to Brandon — it’s a vibrant community that appreciates great music, talented artists and Christmas classics. Tenore brings all that and more,” Vasconcelos said.

“And when Jill asked if we could find a choir to sing with the trio, it was a dream come true.’

Vasconcelos contacted Deanna Ginn, the new choral director at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School, to gather vocalists and direct the choir. Local singers have rallied to support this unique opportunity to bring this talented trio to Brandon.

Members of Prairie Blend, a local men’s choir (also under the direction of Ginn), and women’s ensemble das Femmes have joined members of Mecca Productions’ community choir and musical theatre performers.

Wanda Nicol has sung with choirs in Brandon and Winnipeg for decades as one of Westman’s most sought-after soprano voices.

“This is a very special choral experience with some very lovely people,” she said. “I have sung with many of these people in various groups and to see them all come together, creating such an incredible sound is truly joyous for me as a chorister. I hope audiences come and enjoy the concert.”

Under Ginn’s direction, the powerhouse 30-voice choir has been rehearsing for weeks and can’t wait to sing with the world-class Tenore.

“From the first moments they (the choir) sang their first note, I knew this concert was going to be something special,” Ginn said. “It has really been a thrill to work with singers from so many of Brandon’s choirs.”

She is looking forward to meeting the trio on Saturday when the choirs and groups rehearse together.

“What a treat to put this uplifting seasonal music together, and to perform with such an accomplished group.”

Also joining the concert is a children’s choir under the direction of Mecca’s choral director Katherine Sherris.

Children from Mecca’s performance troupe program and members of École Harrison’s chorale will perform “Where Are You Christmas?,” the song on the album performed by the Watoto Children’s choir.

“Parents are delighted that their children have the opportunity to sing with world-class vocalists,” Sherris said. “What a thrill! We have worked hard to create a performance that will complement their vocals. And I know the kids are excited to meet them.”

Tickets for the concert are available in advance from the Central United Church office (327 Eighth St., 204-727-0577) or at Ted Good Music. Advance tickets are $25; $30 at the door; children 12 and under are free.

For more information, visit singtenore.com or mecca-productions.com.

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