The Abbotsford Virtuosi string ensemble and the British Columbia Boys’ Choir host a send-off concert on Saturday, June 21 in Abbotsford as they prepare for a cross-country tour.
This summer, 45 members of the two groups will travel across Canada – including Montreal, Ottawa, the Maritimes and the Prairies – to present their show “O Canada Our Home: Songs and Stories of Canada.”
Nine of the members – six girls and three boys – are from the string ensemble.
The bon voyage concert in Abbotsford takes place at South Abbotsford Church (32424 Huntingdon Rd.) at 7 p.m.
The show features music, choreography, poetry, stories, costumes and surprises, all about Canada.
The music includes North West Passage, Song for the Mira, I’se the Bye, This is My Home, Song for Canada, Wood River, J’entends le Moulin, Frobisher Bay, and a newly commissioned piece, Go Into the Glory of the Woods by Vancouver composer Brian Tate.
The Abbotsford Virtuosi takes the stage with Prairie Swing made popular by Barrage, Nickel Rag by Larry Nickel and Canticle for an Angel by Michael Conway Baker.
The Abbotsford Virtuosi is under the direction of Calvin Dyck, and the choir, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary, is directed by Tony Araujo.
Tickets are $20 (plus tax and fee) and are available at House of James, King’s Music, and at the door.
For more information, visit bcboyschoir.org.