Chorale showcase raising funds

Since it was created last fall, the West Island’s only day-time community choir has been true to its calling.

Voices for Hope’s first benefit concert in February sold out and collected more than $8,000 for Free the Children, a charitable organization which helps fulfill the promise of a better life for youth in developing countries.

Next weekend in Pointe Claire, the 65-member chorale will present its second musical showcase featuring some of Broadway’s most memorable tunes.

“We’ll be raising money for Grandmothers to Grandmothers, which is under the auspices of the Stephen Lewis Foundation,” explained founder and director Douglas Knight.

“Groups across Canada and beyond (there are upwards of 200 chapters overall) raise funds and send them to grandmothers in Africa, to help them raise their grandchildren and provide for their education. The generation that’s missing has been wiped out by AIDS,” said the Pointe Claire resident, who is also music director at Cedar Park United Church, where there is a Grandmothers to Grandmothers chapter.

The program for Broadway plus! will comprise numbers sung in four-part harmony.

“There will be songs and medleys from Broadway productions like My Fair Lady, West Side Story, and Phantom of the Opera. The reason we’re calling the concert Broadway plus! is because we will also have a song from the movie Prince of Egypt,” said Knight, who will accompany the choristers on piano.

A reception will follow the performances.

Voices for Hope was established in September; rehearsals are Wednesday afternoons at Cedar Park.

“Many members are involved in other choirs, while some are new to the experience; everyone seems to be finding a lot of enjoyment in it.”

The concert will be held May 23 at 7:30 p.m., and on the 24th at 3. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students, and may be purchased at the door. However, it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance. The church is located at 204 Lakeview Ave. For information call 514-630-4636, 514-637-7125, or visit www.cedarparkunited.org.

Charlie Scott