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Artscene Sugar plum dreams By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF · FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009 31 Christmas favourites on choral program Oakville Choral Society presents holiday concert T SUBMITTED PHOTOS BY DAVID HOU THE NUTCRACKER: Jane Coombs (top photo) as Clara and Katya Dunn and Patrick Lavoie dancing the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Prince are among the 120-member cast as the Oakville Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker on Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 at 1 and 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1 and 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5 at 1 and 5 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 6 at 1 and 5 p.m. at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. Tickets cost $29.99. For tickets or information, call the box office at 905-815-2021 or go online to www.oc4pa.ca. This setting dates from the composer's time at an orphanage in Venice for young women known as the Ospedale della Pieta he Oakville Choral Society's new (Hospice of Mercy). He worked there from 1703-1740, first as music director appears to be settling a violinist and music teacher, eventually in well. David Bowser took over the group this fall following the 30-year tenure becoming its musical director. The Gloria will be performed by the 70of J. Bev Stainton. plus member Oakville He says it has been a Choral Society under smooth transition, with Bowser's baton, and a 30choristers, especially those piece professional orchestra who have been around for led by Sasha Weinstangel. awhile, adjusting well to the "We have a Christmas change in leadership. theme and the Gloria is the "It has been such a pleaspart of the mass that really ure and there is a great celebrates the birth of enthusiasm among the Christ," said Bowser. members of the chorus," he "The Gloria is a great said. piece in that it is challeng"I'm continually ing, yet very satisfying to impressed with the musical sing. It is also pretty well results that they give back. known, which is what I They are very attentive and David Bowser wanted for the audience." pick up on my choral sound Guest soloists are soprano Corinne development and vocal techniques." The community has the opportunity to Lynch, soprano Laura Schatz and mezzosee the choir in action under its new musi- soprano Jessica Lloyd. "The Vivaldi requires three soloists and cal director at its annual Christmas concert we're very happy to have them," said on the evenings of Dec. 11 and 12. The centerpiece of the evening is Bowser. "They are all fabulous singers and very much in tune with the philosophy of Antonio Vivaldi's Gloria. Vivaldi wrote several settings of the the group and the community." The second half of the program will feaGloria, but the version being performed by ture a selection of Christmas favourites, the local chorus has arguably become his See New page 32 most famous piece of sacred work.