Within two weeks of tickets going on sale last December, all five performances of the Vancouver Mens Chorus Christmas concert were sold out. Its an indication of how the choir has become one of this citys most popular cultural institutions.
Another indication is that the 32-year-old choir has once again earned the gold medal for Best Choral Group in WE Vancouvers 2013 Best of the City readers choice awards consider it a standing ovation!
The cause of such success is twofold. Obviously, music lovers value the high standards set by founding conductor Willi Zwozdesky and the ability of the 90-plus volunteer singers to meet them. However, reaching those lofty goals takes time and commitment. You cant get that level of dedication if the singers arent enjoying themselves.
What a great group to belong to, says Len Cousineau, who joined the choir 32 years ago and has only missed one concert. (He was involved in an accident two days before the performance.) You know how sometimes you can be having a bad day and you think Im just going to stay at home? Within 10 minutes of being at the rehearsal, youre already better. It changes your outlook for the day. Its the fraternity and the music.
The camaraderie is amazing.
The choirs history dates back to 1981 when the first gay choir, the San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus, toured the United States and several men from Vancouver drove the three hours south to Seattle to hear them, the choirs website says. On their return, they decided to start a chorus of their own performing their first concert in December of that same year. They officially became the first gay chorus in Canada, a founding member of GALA and the first international gay chorus in that organization.
Our mission is to present quality entertainment, says Cousineau, who is currently the choirs vice-president and chair of concert planning, having served as president several times. The show isnt only about the singing; theres a performance aspect as well. We can make people laugh and cry within a 10-minute span. Its a very emotional connection.
The choirs That 60s Show is June 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 at Performance Works on Granville Island. Tickets go on sale May 1. Go to VancouverMensChorus.ca
