Better Together
1969-12-31 | Christian Reform Church - Duncan :: 930 Trunk Road Duncan,
Island Soul Choir and Duncan Choral Society will be performing for the first time together The soul-inspiring program entitled Better Together reflects a desire to bring the Island together through the love and joy of singing to help wherever we can.

In that vein, all proceeds from the concert will be donated to Providence Farm, a non-profit organization that is committed to serving the needs and fostering people in the Cowichan Valley, especially those not easily accepted elsewhere, with their therapeutic community. The Farm runs a number of creative and innovative therapeutic programs for adults and seniors with mental health and age-related illnesses, brain injuries and developmental challenges: tending the animals, caring for the grounds and market gardens, learning culinary skills, vocational training in the furniture shop and small engine repair shop, and exploring artistic skills like sculpting, painting, knitting and weaving.

Island Soul Choir, under the direction of Karla Mundy, is all about the love of singing. Members come from all over Vancouver Island, as well as some nearby islands, without necessarily having any prior choir experience, just to sing in this community choir that meets about once a month to rehearse. Nathalie Cooke, the choir’s Marketing Chair says, “It is truly inspiring to see how easily past and new choir members can blend their voices so well together in harmony in such a short space of time. It is truly magical. Past choir members said Penny Mitchell, the choir’s president, “we’re happy we have finally been able to make this happen.” keep coming back, and new members keep joining.” The choir’s repertoire includes gospel, spirituals, world music, blues, pop, soul, R&B… basically any type of music that touches, moves or inspires the soul. The choir was originally created by Ron Klusmeier and Brian Tate, and regularly has over 130 members.

Duncan Choral Society is a community choir whose members are of varying ages and musicality, and they ALL love to sing! The choir, under the direction of Susan Doughty, is 35 to 45 voices strong and is always looking for more singers to join. Founded in July 1982, they perform two concerts each year, in January and May, as well as at various care homes in Duncan each Christmas. In the past, they have performed at charity functions and public events, most notably the Olympic Torch Relay and the City of Duncan Centennial celebration.

Providence Farm will host a reception following the concert. Tickets are on sale at Volume One Bookstore (149 Kenneth St), Providence Farm (1843 Tzouhalem Rd), and Ten Old Books (102–330 Duncan St, aka The Garage). Tickets are also available online at islandsoulchoir.com and, if available, they will be sold at the door.
