A tanpura, Calgary and Yellowknife choirs, and an accompanying visual-infographic roadmap — only a confident, musical community pillar would take on this type of challenge. But then we wouldn’t expect less from Timothy Shantz, director of Spiritus Chamber Choir, who, after eleven critically acclaimed seasons, is stepping away from the choir. Opportunity is taking Dr. Shantz to the University of Alberta, where he will be taking over the reins as director of choral activities.
Calgary is a better musical city because of Dr. Shantz. He has elevated the choral scene to the highest calibre through his choirs: Spiritus, CPO Chorus and Luminous Voices. Not only has Shantz provided mentorship and opportunity to Calgary’s finest singers, but under his leadership, Spiritus has been recognized with national and international awards, and has challenged audiences to reimagine what is possible at choral concerts.
For Shantz’s final concert with Spiritus, he has invited Yellowknife choir Aurora Chorealis, directed by Margo Nightingale, to join Spiritus at Knox United Church on May 11. The concert will feature the title work “Luminosity” by James Whitbourn, a piece that fuses Eastern and Western musical influences in a rich, haunting expression of light and faith.
To assist the listener in navigating this piece, Spiritus — with the support of the Rozsa Foundation — has partnered with Alberta University of the Arts to create a Listening Guide/Infographic. Student and artist Charlee Witschi has tackled the piece and is creating the guide to enhance the audience’s understanding and enjoyment.
The program will also feature the work of former Calgarian Zachary Wadsworth and his “Ikonic Mass” for choir and organ.
Guest artists will include Chellan Hoffman (organ), Dean O’Brien (viola), Rita Karmakar (tanpura), and Malcolm Lim (percussion).
Join Spiritus Chamber Choir and guests as we say farewell to one of the most innovative, inspiring conductors in our city.
Spiritus Chamber Choir
Saturday, May 11 at 8PM
Knox United Church
506 4th St SW, Calgary, AB
spirituschamberchoir.ca/
Tickets
$25 Adult
$20 Student/Senior
For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/
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