Island Voices Choir Hosts ‘Feel the Breath We Share’ Concerts

The Island Voices Chamber Choir is set to present a series of concerts titled “Feel the Breath We Share” on March 21 and March 22, 2024. The performances will take place at St. George’s United Church in Courtenay and at St. Peter’s Anglican in Campbell River, both starting at 14:30.

Under the direction of John Hooper, the choir aims to offer an experience that resonates with the challenges of contemporary life. “We live in anxious times,” Hooper remarked, inviting attendees to “exhale your worries, and then with the choir, slowly breathe in the peace, love and beauty of the music.”

The theme of breathing plays a pivotal role in the concert’s repertoire. One highlighted piece is “Breathing” by Judy Specht, which delves into the process of breathing—or the lack thereof—during moments of meditation. Another piece, “Breathe” by Coleman Peterson, conveys a message of resilience, emphasizing that even amidst chaotic winds, “we can breathe, feel the breath we share.”

The concert will also feature the Spanish composition “Espíritu de Dios,” which calls upon a divine spirit to “fill my life, fill my soul, fill my being,” likening it to a gentle breath of wind. The diverse program is designed to appeal to a wide audience, including a Bach Alleluia and a theme song from a popular 1960s television show.

In a new addition to the performance, the choir will welcome guest percussionist Ram Sudama. His involvement will introduce a variety of expressive percussion sounds, enhancing the choral experience with unique timbres.

Tickets for the concerts are priced at $27 for adults and $10 for students, and they can be purchased through the choir’s website at islandvoiceschamberchoir.bc.ca. This event promises to be an enriching experience, blending music and mindfulness, inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys through sound.