The Stettler Alliance Church filled with music on a Sunday afternoon, Oct. 25 as the Gracenotes Choir performed the opening song of the Alberta Youth Choir performance , but it was just the beginning of the musical afternoon.
The Alberta Choral Foundation collaborated with the Lac La Biche Community Choir and the Gracenotes Choir to present the two-hour long event as youth from across Alberta came together in unison to perform for the audience.
The Alberta Youth Choir (AYC) have singers between the ages of 16 and 22.
The AYC provides a unique opportunity for talented young singers from across the province to join forces in pursuit of musical excellence under the direction of a renowned guest conductor, this year the guest conductor being Dr. Graeme Langager.
All singers participate in rigorous auditions before they are accepted into the AYC, which this year comprise 51 singers from 25 choirs in 14 cities and towns across the province.
The choir first met for two days of rehearsal in early October, and completed a two-day residency at Music Conference Alberta in Red Deer where they were featured in the conference's gala concert.
"This is the first year that they have performed here," said Tyler Ans, pastor at the Stettler Alliance Church. "Our facility has been used in the past as a host for various concerts, programs and events, and we are looking forward to having more in the future!"
The afternoon began with Gracenotes Choir 's performance before it mellowed into the powerful solo of Andrea Benoit, a former student of William E. Hay but now a resident of Camrose.
Soon after, the AYC took over with a range of soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
The afternoon became quite a musical treat, with Canadian pianist Roger Admiral on the piano, who has been renowned for his performances of solo and chamber music repertoire spanning the 18th through the 21st century.