A concert presentation by the Oxford Reformed Christian School Chamber Choir as part of their 2024 Niagara Tour, fundraising this evening for the Niagara Presbytery Refugee Fund.

Oxford Reformed Christian School Chamber Choir is one of two high school choirs at ORCS. The Chamber Choir is an ensemble of auditioned singers which meets after school hours throughout the academic year. Past engagements include a performance with Trillium Brass, of Vivaldi's Gloria, of G. F. Handel's Messiah (both with orchestra and soloists), a 3day concert tour of Eastern Ontario and Quebec, and most recently a 9day tour of the Maritime provinces in 2023. Having won the “Best High School Choir” award just last week during the Oxford County Rotary Festival of Music, the choir looks forward to performing at the provincial competitions in Oakville, Ontario, this coming June.

Soprano:
Emma Armstrong*, Hannah Averink, Monica Bartsch, Bethany Droogendyk*, Shira Mol*, Grace Streutker, Madison Stubbe*, Leah Suyker, Olivia Suyker, Helena VanWoerden, Ava Veldman*, Bella Veldman

Alto:
Grace Bos, Lauren de Haan, Emily Klyn, Salina Kuivenhoven, Abby Schep, Arianna Scholten, Abbi Slager, Katie VanBrugge*, Abby Vandegoor, Natalie Verboom

Tenor:
Kyle Boesterd, Evan Droogendyk, Jared Klyn, Josiah Kroondyk*, Gary Schuurman, Ethan VanBrugge, Noah Veldman

Bass:
Ezra Bilkes, Zachary Droogendyk**, Benjamin Maljaars, Jack Monster, Daxton Mynders, Logan Schep, Evan VanIttersum

* denotes vocal or piano soloist
** denotes student conductor

Miss Sarah Kenter holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Western Ontario. She has studied piano under Heather Taves, John Hess, and Marianna ChibotarRutkevich. She has appeared as a soloist with the Wilfrid Laurier University Symphony Orchestra and has worked as a collaborative pianist with several voice studios. Currently, Sarah teaches music and English at Oxford Reformed Christian School. Additionally, she serves as collaborative pianist for the Oxford Collegium Singers. When not accompanying on the piano, she enjoys being a chorister with the OCS and other choral groups.

Mr. Johann VanIttersum studied voice and choral conducting with Tannis Sprott and Dr. Christiaan Teeuwsen respectively at Redeemer University. In recent years he furthered vocal studies with tenor Robert MacLaren. Johann has a deep appreciation for sacred oratorio, passion music, and the English and German choral traditions. He has conducted major choral works, including Bach’s Magnificat and Cantatas, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Haydn’s Creation. As a baritone, he is a chorister and soloist with the Arcady Ensemble, Redeemer’s Alumni Choir, and Choral Connection; in addition, he frequently freelances as a soloist or ensemble singer throughout SouthWestern Ontario. Johann is artistic director of Oxford Collegium Singers and Ensemble Cantate Iterum, semiprofessional choirs based in Oxford County, Ontario. He conducts two high school choral ensembles at Oxford Reformed Christian School and teaches a small number of voice students in his private studio.



WELCOME

I.
Look at the World John Rutter
Ah, Holy Jesus Ruth Elaine Schram
My Peace I Leave with You Judith Snowdon
Adagio in g minor Tomaso Albinoni
Pie Jesu Andrew Lloyd Webber
Inscription of Hope Z. Randall Stroope

II.
Waltz in b minor Franz Schubert
The Willow Song Arthur Sullivan
Variations Serieuse Felix Mendelssohn
Edelweiss Stephen DeCesare
My Lord, What a Morning Sue Ellen Page
Keep Your Lamps Andre Thomas
Homeward Bound arr. Jay Althouse

III.
Laudamus Te Kirby Shaw
I Will Be a Child Elaine Hagerberg
All Hail the Pow’r arr. Marilyn Thompson
When You Call Ruth Elaine Schram
Fairest Lord Jesus Derek Hakes
Nearer Still Nearer* Traditional

CLOSING

An Irish Blessing Lori Tune