On Saturday, June 13, 2009, the Chorale will host a dinner to salute its Director, Sister Rita Clare, and express its appreciation for her outstanding efforts in bringing about the group’s success throughout its thirty-six year life.  The public is invited and encouraged to join us at this event.  Click on the poster at left for ticket details.  Proceeds from the evening will go toward establishing scholarships in Sister Rita’s name for award to Cape Breton-Victoria School Board students pursuing their studies in music or music education. 

Sister Rita’s biography speaks of her background and credentials, her activities, and the public recognition she has received.  Not reported there are her countless hours of administrative work on 

·         developing programs for concerts and recordings, and obtaining music;

·          licensing and copyright issues and fees;

·         selecting performance venues and accompaniment appropriate to the music;

·         auditioning and coaching singers, and maintaining the Chorale’s vocal balance;

·         liaising with artists and groups with whom the Chorale might share a stage; and

·         all other matters pertaining to the Chorale’s mission of promoting chorale music in Cape Breton.

This behind the scenes effort earns Sister the respect, admiration and thanks of the Chorale and it is taking this opportunity to publically demonstrate its appreciation.  Please join us in doing so.

Both considered masterpieces, Elijah and Messiah are among the most popular biblical choral works, being rich in grandeur and favored for their stirring choruses.  The Chorale has performed Elijah in its entirety with the Nova Scotia Symphony in Halifax and in Sydney with St. Andrews' organ.  The Messiah choruses have been a continuing part of Chorale repertoire, frequently sung in celebration of various seasons of the church calendar.