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M’CHINGEENG—The Island Singers have a special treat in store for Manitoulin this coming Saturday, June 6 as they perform a selection of their favourite Canadian songs followed by presentations of two major works by composer Stephanie Martin.

Canadian musician Ms. Martin is a “creative collaborator and a guardian of musical heritage, known for imaginative artistic programming and for creating sustainable musical communities.”

Ms. Martin’s choral and instrumental compositions are currently performed both here in Canada and across the globe.

Island Singers will be singing their selection of favourite Canadian songs in the first half of the program, conducted by Chris Theijsmeijer and accompanied by Arik Theijsmeijer.

Special guest conductor, Lynn Janes, will be accompanied by the Sudbury Orchestra string quintet in presenting the works by Ms. Martin.

“As a conductor, teacher, and soloist, Lynn Janes’ work spans a wide variety of musical experiences,” notes Holly Scott. “For over a decade, she has held various appointments with the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus and served as the artistic director and conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir. Lynn is currently the artistic director of the Oriana Singers of Northumberland County, a 65-voice adult community choir.”

“We’re life-long learners,” said Ms. Janes. “I’m blessed to be singing in a choir myself and though I’ve had a career in teaching music, I am still learning.” Ms. Janes is looking forward to exploring the beauty of Manitoulin during her week, meeting local folks and learning of the island’s culture and history.

Ms. Janes began her career as a high-school music teacher and continued to work in that capacity for 33 years with students at all levels of abilities and interests, noted Ms. Scott. “There she fine-tuned her ability to break down a piece of music into manageable segments that give students confidence.”

Following her retirement, Ms. Janes has continued to be involved in teaching music. She sings with the Exultate Chamber Singers, one of Toronto’s premiere professional ensembles, continued Ms. Scott. “Her performances as a soloist are featured on all four recordings of the Exultate Chamber Singers. Lynn also performed as a chorister and soloist with the Elora Festival Singers.”

“It’s a rare and unique opportunity for the choir to enjoy the presence of the composer during their performance,” said Ms. Scott. “Past composers and arrangers who have been present for their works include local composers, Jane Best and Michael McCormick, and we may recall Lydia Adams, director of the Elmer Iseler Singers, whose arrangement of ‘Rise Again’ was first performed by the Island Singers several years ago.”

Ms. Martin, who is also a professor emeritus at York University’s School of the Arts, and composer-in-residence for the Toronto Mendelessohn Choir will be adding her voice to the choir as they sing two of her major works, ‘Every Voice,’ and ‘Echo.’ 

“The song ‘Echo,’ was composed as a companion to Brahms’ Requiem,” notes Ms. Scott. “The lyrics are from a poem by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894), which speaks of dreams, memory and loss in a way that resonates with all of us. ‘Every Voice’ is a beautiful set of songs based on texts by Desmond Tutu, Kisha Supernant and others. This piece had its premiere performance in November with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.” 

As a special treat, a group of students from LCPS and CMPS will join the Island Singers as the concert comes to a close.

“The concert is sure to help fuel our Canadian pride as it celebrates a variety of musical styles, provides several guests and even features a few moments for the audience to sing along too,” said choir director, Chris Theijsmeijer. “This will be a wonderful concert.”

The Island Singers return this fall with rehearsals beginning in September at 7 pm, at Manitoulin Secondary School. All are welcome. Contact [email protected].