Guelph Youth Singers (GYS) will welcome choristers from Les Jeunes Chanteurs d’Acadie for a six-day SEVEC choir exchange.
The program’s goals are to bring youth together from different provinces and territories across Canada in order to improve their knowledge and understanding of Canada, to help them connect with one another and thereby strengthen the fabric of Canadian society, and to foster an appreciation of the unity and diversity of Canadians.
The highlight of the exchange takes place on April 12, when the two choirs and the Guelph Community Singers present a concert, United for Africa.
The concert will benefit Bracelet of Hope, a grassroots organization that engages Canadians in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa.One African country becomes AIDS free by placing a bracelet on the wrist of every Canadian.
The concert includes three African dances, and the popular choral song, Here’s to Song, sung by all choirs.
Les Jeunes Chanteurs d’Acadie will share Acadian culture with traditional Acadian repertoire.
Guelph Community Singers will present a solo set to include the well-known African marching song Siyahamba.
Les Jeunes Chanteurs d’Acadie, under the direction of conductor, Nadine Hébert, has gained national and international recognition by participating in many competitions and festivals across Canada, the United States and Europe.
In May, GYS will visit Moncton, New Brunswick for the second leg of the exchange.
United for Africa, appears at the Harcourt Memorial United Church, 87 Dean Ave., on April 12 at 7pm.
Tickets are $15 each or $40 per family and are available at the door.
Tax receipts are available for those wishing to make a further donation to Bracelet of Hope.