Voices for hope needed

A fledgling community choir will soon add a fresh dimension to the West Island’s flourishing music scene.

Voices for Hope, under the direction of Douglas Knight, is currently recruiting adult singers for a series of benefit concerts with a distinct Broadway flavour.

A unique aspect of the new chorale is that members will rehearse during the day, rather than evenings as do virtually all musical ensembles.

“I’m looking to attract a wide spectrum. There are not a lot of opportunities to get together and sing in the daytime. My idea was to put together a non-auditioned choir of people who enjoy singing, whether or not they have experience,” said Knight, who recently retired from his long-time position as a high school music specialist.

Many vocalists have a penchant for show tunes, “which is why we’ll focus on that for now,” said the Pointe Claire resident, who boasts an impressive background in his field.

In the 1980s he founded the popular chorus The Knight Singers. He went on to become the musical director of The Montreal West Operatic Society

for several years.

“I also worked with the Hudson Music Club and Lakeshore Light Opera, and have done many Broadway-style shows, including Kiss Me Kate, Guys and Dolls, A Chorus Line, and The Sound of Music, among others.”

Knight hopes to have Voices for Hope up and running by mid-September, with rehearsals (Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m.), as well as performances, at Cedar Park United Church in Pointe Claire, where he was named music director a year ago.

“Proceeds from our concerts (the first is tentatively set for spring 2009) will go to projects in developing countries,” he said.

Funds raised will be earmarked for Grandmothers to Grandmothers, which supports the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in sub-Saharan Africa. The Cedar Park Grandmothers is the West Island chapter of the charitable organization.

Men and women of all ages with a love of singing are invited to contact Knight for full details.

“There will a three-week trial period, and practice aids available for those who don’t read music. We’ll also have a membership fee to cover expenses.”

For more information, call 514-630-0331 or visit www.cedarparkunited.org.