Labrador Region Festival
The highly anticipated and tremendously successful Labrador Region Festival took place from February 18 - 21, 2010 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Despite the challenging weather, over 200 singers from all parts of Labrador took part in this exciting event. Participants represented schools and groups from all regions of Labrador.
The special performing group for this year’s Festival was Cadence – Canada’s celebrated vocal group from Toronto, Ontario. This group of four men dazzled the audience in a concert on February 19th, with instrumental imitation, vocal acrobatics and charismatic stage presence. The audience also enjoyed cameo performances by members of Lady Cove Women’s Choir from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Festival participants took part in energetic and engaging workshops on February 19th and 20th lead by the members of Cadence, Lady Cove Women’s Choir, Memorial University’s brass faculty and conductors Kellie Walsh and Dr. Douglas Dunsmore.
The concert on February 20th, a sold out event, featured a Massed Adult Choir, conducted by Dr. Douglas Dunsmore, a Massed Youth Choir, conducted by Ms. Kellie Walsh and a performance by Lady Cove Women’s Choir. The finale featured over 200 choristers who joined together to sing as one Massed Choir– a truly spectacular moment for all present.
Special thanks to: Cadence, Dr. Douglas Dunsmore, Ms. Kellie Walsh, the host families for Lady Cove Women’s Choir, the Labrador School Board, Mealy Mountain Collegiate, the music teachers and choir directors, the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Lawrence O’Brien Arts Centre staff & volunteers, CBC Labrador, The Labradorian, Judge John Joy, Leo Abbass, Jake & Barb Leyte, Claudia McAllen, Sheila McLean, Jennifer Mitchell, Melissa Aylward, Paul Snelgrove, Buck Burden, Nina Kennedy and the remarkable efforts of the Labrador Festival Committee - Don Lockhart, Mary Abbass, Kevin Lamond and Janet Wiseman.