Atlantic Voices is an amateur choir of approximately 50 members, primarily made up of expatriate Newfoundlanders, Labradorians, and those from the Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Cape Breton, and Prince Edward Island). Not surprisingly, they sing songs of the sea (storms, waves, perils), tots of rum, whales, fishing and missing their sweethearts - mostly unaccompanied. I had hoped to join a choir when I arrived in Canada, and I found a list of dozens based in and around Ottawa. Some were 'discarded' straight away (women only, men only, wanted high levels of sight-reading, too religious, too professional), but Atlantic Voices was one of the ones I approached. They were very welcoming, but by mid-April they were too far along in their rehearsals for the Spring Concert for me to join - but I was welcome to go back in September to rehearse with them. I've since found a local church choir in Aylmer, and I'm going to choir practice on Thursday evenings for a concert that we're doing on the 26th June. Not 'Atlantic Voices' level, but I'm enjoying singing regularly again. We have a music director called David who is patient and enthusiastic!
However, last Sunday afternoon I had the pleasure of going along to the Atlantic Voices presentation 'Rocky Isle in the Ocean' held at Centretown United Church in Bank Street. The church was absolutely packed and we listened to 'Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor', 'The Wreck of the S.S. Ethie' and 'Ode to Newfoundland' - the official provincial anthem - amongst other songs. Great fun and very entertaining.
Also making an appearance was Tiika - she is the 6 year old mascot of the choir. Her genes go back to the island of Newfoundland and - according to the concert programme - 'these strong waterdogs were loyal and loving companions who worked very hard on shore and at sea. They pulled in fishing nets, delivered mail, and hauled logs from the forests. They often served as 'living lifelines', rescuing people from the sea.
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| Here she is .... Tiika |
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