Opening Gala Concert

Wow! What a great start to the Festival. The opening ceremony featured a one minute presentation by each of the 21 choirs and 9 small vocal ensembles participating in the Festival. EnChor presented the "Haida Welcome Song", which was very well received and was the only contribution that recognized our First Nations.

As noted earlier, EnChor was one of six choirs selected to sing in the opening Gala Concert that also featured a concluding set from Rajaton. We were given top billing in the photo below, but that was only because our Green Room was closest to the lobby.



Still we did a great job and got a huge round of applause from the audience, that even interrupted our set. Diane had arranged a seamless cross-Canada vocal tour, but the folks couldn't resist recognizing us "en route", especially for Pete's solo in "Black Fly".

Luckily for the Festival (but unlucky for us), the Arts and Culture Centre was sold out (1000+) so we were unable to attend any of the concert and were banished to our green room after our appearance. Ever thoughtful, Sandra had arranged for an "after glow" in the nearby student residence where most Enchorites are staying so we headed there for a wine/beer/cheese self-congratulatory bash.




Tomorrow is another big day with rehearsals for the mass choir all morning, an EnChor rehearsal in the afternoon and our appearance in the first World of Music concert Thursday evening. On that occasion we get to sing much more of our repertoire. We are looking forward to another 1000+ people to hear us.

Regards from the Rock


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Location:Festival 500