Festival 500 Concert Schedule - 2009
Updated: June 17, 2009
Program subject to change without notice.
Schedules
Symposium Presentations
The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium VII will host presenters
from countries around the world: Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Spain, Finland, Australia, Germany, Nigeria, Israel, Venezuela and Portugal. Presentations will cover a diversity
of topics related to the phenomenon of singing. The special focus for The Phenomenon
of Singing International Symposium VII is The Power of Song. Individual
session rates and day rates are available.Rural Concerts - Up the Shore & Around the BaySelected choirs participating
in the St. John's Festival will travel to two communities - Brigus and
Ferryland - to experience rural Newfoundland culture and to perform in
an evening concert. Concert venues and ticket availability will be
posted shortly.
Church Services
Choirs are invited to perform in services at local churches and worship centres
on Sunday July 5 and/or Sunday July 12, 2009. This opportunity is a very popular
performance option... choirs are in great demand and the congregations are enthusiastic.
This is not a ticketed event.
Opening Night Concert
On the evening of Sunday, July 5, Festival 500 will present its gala opening concert! Co-hosted by CBC's Francesca Swann and Rajaton's Soila Sariola, with a cameo appearance by the dynamic Ysaye Barnwell, it will feature performances by acclaimed Canadian soprano, Wendy Nielsen, Israel's Moran Choir and some of Canada’s best choral groups. Four of the first place winners from
the CBC Competition for Amateur Choirs will perform at this concert: Cawthra Park Secondary School Chamber Choir, Gallery Choir of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Lady Cove Women's Choir and Quintessential Vocal Ensemble. This is an evening not to be missed!
World of Music Concert Series
At the heart of Festival 500 is the World of Music concert series. Choirs performing
at these concerts have the opportunity to perform an individual, 25-minute program
as well as participate in a three-choir joint performance under the direction of
one of our invited international guest conductors for 2009: Ysaye Barnwell or Avner Itai. The joint performance at the end of every World of Music concert is the heart and soul of Festival 500: it is the sharing of voices. The participating choirs cross cultural and musical boundaries as they join their voices under the direction of the guest conductors. The Sharing the Voices component of every World of Music concert is a powerful experience for both the singers and the audience.
Afternoon Concert Series
Festival 500 presents a series of afternoon concerts in St. John's church
venues. Choirs will perform a 20-minute program as part of these full
afternoon concerts.
WorkshopsParticipants of Festival 500 may choose from over forty-five workshops between July 6th -11th. Each of the Festival 500 invited Guest Artists will be facilitating one or more workshops. Please note that these workshops are open to Festival 500 participants only.
Noteable Lunch Concert Series
These FREE lunchtime concerts take place in varied public spaces throughout the
city of St. John’s. Choirs participating in this relaxed concert series perform
a cappella selections.Club for Five in Concert
Festival 500's Guest Ensemble - Club for Five - will present an evening of a capella music like you've never heard. This innovative Finnish contemporary group specializing in an open-minded approach to singing and skillful, instrument-like use of the human voice. Their creative ways of "playing" rhythmic music without a single instrument will leave you spellbound! Don't miss this breathtaking and energetic vocal quintet.
Grande Finale
Festival 500 Sharing the Voices invites you to be part of their Grande Finale concert. A gathering of all Festival 500 participants and special guests, this concert will truly be an experience like none other. Featuring performances by innovative Finnish contemporary ensemble Club for Five, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, highly acclaimed Canadian soprano Wendy Nielsen and much, much more! This is an evening you won't forget. There is something here for everyone. Come and share your voice with us!