Jitters come after performance for top choirs

July 8,1996

Brooks Hall was packed with people for the one completely sold-out concert (other than the opening and closing ceremonies) of Kathaumixw.

Tickets for the afternoon concert July 4 had been sold out more than a week before the performance which would showcase the talents of the Hong Kong Children's Choir, the Chor Akademicki Politcchniki Szczecin from Poland, the Canticum Novum from Hungary and Lille Muko from Denmark.

All "Artists-in-Residence" except Canticum Novum, the concert was also of interest to a major Canadian radio station, CBC/FM. Over 500 people filled the newly completed Brooks Hall, listening intently to the clear voices of the children and adults who have perfected the art of choral singing.

Because the concert was being taped and because there were so many people there, crowded into a relatively small venue, I thought members might have a touch of pre-performance jitters, but I couldn't have been more wrong.

All of the choirs there seemed to take performing in stride, which is good, I guess, since that's what they do. But I was a little surprised at how calm they were.

While the singers from Hong Kong astounded the audience with their versatility and crystal clear voices, the Polish choir was waiting patiently for their turn, talking quietly in small groups. They told me that they rehearse their songs so many times that when they do perform, the songs just sort of flow from them.

I did find out, however, that after a performance, and especially after a competition, the adrenaline is up. "I think that I am more nervous after a performance than before. I think it's because after there is nothing more we can do to make it better because it's over. Then it's up to the judges and the audience," said one Polish singer.

The choirs presented a wide range of music, which kept everyone interested for the entire length of the concert. Dal Matterson, Chairman of Kathaumixw, hosted the afternoon of song.