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‘Messiah’ proceeds donated to Orangeville music festival

February 4, 2016   ·   0 Comments

The Dufferin Concert Singers, under the direction of John Wervers and accompanist Tanya Fenton,  have been fostering a love of great music  throughout Dufferin, South Simcoe and Collingwood region over the past few years.

Known for doing a fine balance of works of the master composers as well as various themes of shorter works ranging from Canadian folk songs to works that celebrate the seasons of the year, the choir along and its partner choir The New Tecumseth Singers recently performed Handel’s Messiah At Westminster United Church, Orangeville, and Banting Memorial High School in Alliston.

Some 98 choristers, orchestra musicians and area soloists Hannah Campbell, Cara Cameron Blair Spry, Lorne Derraugh  and Jean Devries made this a memorable performance for all involved.

One of the goals of the choir is to bring singers of all ages together to pursue their musical interests and broaden their skills through making music in a concert choir setting as well as enriching the community through song.

Under Mr. Wervers’ leadership, the inclusion of youth and local artists is a high priority. Giving youth and young artists a venue in which to perform fine music is vital. In the past two years, the choir has welcomed local area musicians such as singer, Hannah Campbell, Cara Cameron, Sunyatta Guild, Heidi Allen, Lorne Derraugh, flautist, Kim Stevenson, clarinetists, Sean Derraugh, The Montgomery Public School Children’s Choir, The Doddington Youth Singers and the Dufferin Brass Quintet to name a few.

As part of the Messiah performance, the DCS offered to donate a portion of the admission proceeds to assist the renowned Orangeville and District Music Festival, which is held annually at Westminster United Church. On Monday, the choir donated $600 to the Festival.

The Choir believes in fostering a love of music and providing positive experiences for youth on stage. Assisting the Festival with this donation achieved both.

The Dufferin Concert Singers is a community ensemble that believes in giving back to the community. The choir has been overwhelmed with the support, the audience turnouts and encouraging comments. The choir is also known for partnering with other choirs from various counties to create unique mass choir events.

Should you wish to know more about your community choir, or wish to join them in song, you can contact John at 519-925-6149 or jwervers@gmail.com or visit the choir website. thedufferinconcertsingers.com.

The choir currently rehearses each Wednesday at Covenant Alliance Church, Zine and First streets.

The Orangeville and District Music Festival (ODMF) is an annual festival in May, which has been providing performance oppportunities with adjudication for all levels and disciplines in a non-competitive forum since 1992.

ODMF is managed by a volunteer committee, consisting of Shirley Jemmett, Joy Bell, Susan Moritz, Jane Lanktree, Laura Curtis and Lynne Smith.

The festival depends on the financial fees and donations from individuals, businesses and organizations within the Orangeville area. The committee thanks them for their recognition of a worthwhile event, which supports participants and encourages and promotes their talents.

Celebrating its 19th year, the festival will have ajudications May 2-4, followed by a Gala Concert on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. The concert is both sponsored and hosted by Westminster United Church.

This year’s adjudicators are Donna Mak, Penelope Dale and Peter Dickson. Scholarships and the Most Promising Music Award(s) are selected by the adjudicators and presented at the Gala.

The ODMF Syllabus, Registration Form and Adjudicators’ biographies are available online at www.odmf.ca. Contact information for the festival can also be obtained via the website.

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