Four Abbotsford residents are among a Vancouver-based chorus that recently won the gold medal at an international competition.
Leigh Fadden, Roxane Carlisle, Shelley Jantzen and Cindy Brown are members of the Lions Gate Chorus, which garnered record-breaking scores Nov. 4 at the 75th annual Sweet Adelines International Convention and Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.
It was the first time in the chorus’ 69-year history that they won the gold medal at the event. They were also the first chorus in Sweet Adelines history to receive a perfect score in any category.
Moments before the announcement of their championship title, Lions Gate was also named the audience’s choice for “Most Entertaining Chorus” of the competition — an award they won in 2009, 2017, and 2019.
The group is well-known in the global barbershop singing community for their creative shows and musical excellence.
Under the leadership of their musical director, Sandy Marron, Lions Gate has been in the top five of more than 500 Sweet Adelines International choruses worldwide since 2007.
The chorus performs at concerts, local community events and in regional and international competitions. They rehearse weekly at the Croatian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.