The Airdrie Community Choir celebrates its 40th season this year, and it promises to be a good one! The season begins with a performance at the opening of Airdrie’s Annual Tree Lighting festival. Two concerts at local lodges then lead to their annual Singfest Celebration on Dec. 14, which raises funds for Airdrie First Hamper program. This year’s season concludes with a spring finale, featuring past members and a special guest.
The non-audition choir is led by teacher, performer, composer and recording artist Justin Macosky, who is as enthusiastic as he is talented, Macosky’s love for choral music began as a child in Calgary singing with various choirs, including the Mount Royal Family of Choirs through the Mount Royal Conservatory. Having also attended a performing arts school, Macosky’s experience had always been in performance. He began his conducting career in 2006.
“Conducting is a unique experience for me,” says Macosky. “It incorporates the skills a painter uses when brushing fine strokes on a canvas. It dances in space that allows for a flow of energy between me and my choristers.”
He spent 11 years leading the choir at Hillhurst United Church, and it was two congregants who first approached him about the small city choir that needed a new director. “In 2017, I ended up meeting this lovely ensemble and finding an outstanding space to share my love of music,” says Macosky, who calls it one of the greatest moments of his career.
As it did to so many organizations in the arts, many not surviving, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the choir hard. One week away from a festival performance, and on their way to a celebratory 35th season finale, Macosky says their season ended in a matter of hours.
“It was devastating,” recalls Macosky. “But resilience is part of what makes this organization such a strong family. So many groups folded. But I credit our victory to the board of directors and former president Leslee Sanderman. She was determined to make a virtual choir season work, and we grew into a virtual choir with membership from all over Alberta, and even from the U.K.!
“We spent an entire year practising at home, which resulted in several performances. The first live performance planned had quickly turn into a virtual concert!”
The first year back, Macosky was recharged by the stamina, community spirit, harmony and love demonstrated by a fiercely determined group of choristers. They are an integral part of the Airdrie arts community.
Comprised of various demographics, ages and experience, the choir also provides input to the board and the director as to the music to be performed in any given year. From the classics, such as Vivaldi and Mozart, the choir has performed the Beatles and kd lang, and has tackled pieces in French and Latin. For Macosky, the focus is on storytelling, music of legends and Canadian works.
Airdrie Community Choir rehearses Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 216 Main St. S.
For more information, go to airdriecommunitychoir.org.
