Submitted by Lalin Vocal Ensemble
All around the world, choirs are rebuilding after a rough couple of years and Nelson’s choirs are no different.
In the case of Lalin Vocal Ensemble, directed by Allison Girvan, this rebuild includes a redefinition of their identity. Prior to the pandemic, Lalin was a young adult group created as an off-shoot of the youth choir Corazón, at that time also directed by Girvan.
For the past year, Malaika Horswill has been conducting Corazón, which has meant an opportunity for Lalin to find its own niche.
“Last year, we were still taking small steps to transition out of the restrictions that kept choirs from singing together at all,” says Girvan. “We held our membership to 20 committed singers who encouraged each other and forged a beautiful connection through the season.”
This year, Lalin is full to capacity at 40 singers who rehearse weekly.
“The joy at each rehearsal is palpable,” says Girvan. “It feels as though each time we meet, we are pouring out our souls as an act of resilience and to remind each other of the power in community.”
And now Lalin is ready and excited to share that power with an audience. Their first public event will be as featured guests at a remembrance-themed performance entitled Ridge, by Brendan McLeod and The Fugitives presented by the Capitol Theatre on Nov. 10.
This show honours the young lives lost at the Battle of Vimy Ridge by bringing the words and songs of WWI soldiers back to life. Tickets are available through the Capitol box office at 250-352-6363 or online at capitoltheatre.ca