Younger children now have an opportunity to raise their voices in unison with one of the top choirs in the country by joining the Prelude Choir ensemble of the Victoria Children鈥檚 Choir.
The ensemble, which premi猫red last September, offers an introductory choral experience for 25 children between the ages of seven and nine, the youngest intake in the local choir鈥檚 history.
Music director Teodora Georgivia-Gitberg likens the non-auditioned choir program to 鈥渁n experimental playground鈥� for participants. A positive experience for new choristers might well empower their future musical pursuits. They might eventually audition for Victoria Children鈥檚 Choir鈥檚 Concert or Recital ensembles, designed for singers (up to 18 years of age) who have controlled or mastered their vocal abilities.
The choir rehearses for one hour every week. The goal is to expose young singers to the marvels of the voice and the joy of singing in a group in a fun and interactive environment.
The current program, which runs until June, was successful from the start.
鈥淐learly, there was a desire for choral training at the younger ages, and parents have embraced the non-auditioned component of this program,鈥� said Carla Tadla, executive director of the Victoria Children鈥檚 Choir. 鈥淔or the first time it opens the door to youngsters to train with a world-class, audition-based choir.鈥�
The success of the program, made possible thanks to funding from the Victoria Foundation, has prompted organizers to double their admission, to two groups of 25, for the upcoming season.
鈥淲e are so grateful for the support of the Victoria Foundation,鈥� said Tadla. 鈥淲e could not have launched this new initiative without them.鈥�
The Victoria Children鈥檚 Choir is recognized as one of sa国际传媒鈥檚 leading children鈥檚 choirs, performing with orchestras, for dignitaries and at high-profile events. It is the sole provider of this level of choral training in Greater Victoria.
Registration is already underway for the Prelude Choir program in the fall. Fees are $65 a month, with a non-refundable deposit of $50 at time of acceptance.
Rehearsals are 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, September to June, at St. Aidan鈥檚 United Church, 3703聽St. Aidan鈥檚 St.
For more information, go to victoriachildrenschoir.ca.
