GATHER: SCHEDULE & VENUE
ABOUT
MCA is excited to announce the return of our outdoor choral festival, GATHER, on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park (Winnipeg/Treaty One Territory).
This FREE day-long outdoor event will run from approximately 9:30am to 5:00pm and will showcase a variety of choirs and ensembles as part of Winnipeg 150: City of Song, an initiative designed to engage the public in group singing performances and activities in celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary.
Originally held in 2022, this second rendition of the festival will feature rotating choir performances and workshops throughout the day on the main stage, while attendees experience food vendors, an artisan/maker market, games, and creative spaces set up around the grounds to complete the celebratory atmosphere. Above all, GATHER is an opportunity for the choral community to come together to connect and to enjoy group singing!
SCHEDULE
Join us for the whole day, half the day, or for as long as you'd like! There is something for everyone at GATHER.
All activities will take place between 9:30am and 4:15pm. This includes the 50/50 raffle (early bird draw at 12:55pm and grand prize draw at 4:00pm), food trucks, the artisan market and community area, outdoor games, face painting and arts and crafts with ArtsJunktion. First aid will be provided by St. John's Ambulance, and SJA's Therapy Dog Team will be on site from 12:00pm-1:30pm!
The festival also welcomes Simeon Rusnak of Winnipeg's Classic 107 as one of the MC's for the day.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
(Subject to change)
09:30 | Mindful Yoga for Singers Workshop - Blue Rose Yoga & Voice |
10:00 | Mishkode bizhiki Anishinaabek Drum Group |
10:35 | St. James-Assiniboia Divisional Senior Concert Choir |
10:50 | Seniors Choral Society |
11:25 | The Matriarchy |
11:40 | Bison Men's Chorus |
11:55 | Dominion Voices |
12:10 | MCA Scholarship Presentations |
12:25 | John Taylor Collegiate Concert Choir |
12:40 | Winnipeg Nurses Choir |
12:55 |
Early Bird Raffle Draw |
13:05 | THOSE GUYS |
13:35 | Due North Voices |
13:50 | Incantatem Singers |
14:20 | Stradbrook Avenue Show Choir |
14:35 | MCA Awards of Distinction Presentations |
15:10 | Musica Singers |
15:30 | GATHER Sing-Along |
16:00 | Grand Prize Raffle Draw |
PERFORMANCES & COMMUNITY AREAS
COMMUNITY SPACES & ACTIVITIES
MCA Tent
9:30am - 4:15pm
Visit the MCA tent to learn more about our organization and how you can support the province's choral community! Be sure to check out our merchandise and giveaways, and enter for your chance to win a free registration for our upcoming MB Sings program!
Food Trucks & Artisan Market
9:30am - 4:15pm
Visit the GATHER vendor area and support local food and coffee vendors, artisans, makers, and more!
First Aid Tent - Sponsored by St. John's Ambulance
9:30am - 4:15pm
St. John Ambulance has been ensuring the health, safety, and quality of life for Canadians for over 135 years. They offer the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art first aid and CPR training programs. As a charity, St. John Ambulance is proud that proceeds from training and product sales go right back into our communities, providing emergency first responders and therapy dog services.
Community Tent
9:30am - 4:15pm
Visit the community tent to connect with local community arts groups and learn more about upcoming choral events!
Lawn Games
9:30am - 4:15pm
Bring your friends and try your hand at your favourite lawn game in this area led by volunteers from RBC Royal Bank. There will be lots to choose from!
50/50 Raffle
Starts Sept 21 & ends Sept 28 at 3:55pm
Enter our 50/50 raffle to support MCA's work in The Singing Province. All proceeds will support valuable programs and resources for Manitoba singers, students, choral directors, and choirs! Enter by 12:50pm on Sept 28 and be entered to win an MCA Swag Package ($100 value)! Grand prize winner will win 50% of the total pot at 4:00pm.
Arts & Crafts - in collaboration with ArtsJunktion
11:00am - 4:00pm
Explore your creative side at the Arts & Crafts tent led by staff from ArtsJunktion, where you will find activities for all ages, including a drawing and crafts table, face painting, and a DIY GATHER photo backdrop!
Therapy Dog Visit - Sponsored by St. John's Ambulance
12:00pm - 1:30pm
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of individuals in various care settings through the presence of trained therapy dogs. Our therapy dogs and their handlers visit hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities to provide emotional support and comfort. These visits help reduce stress, improve mood, and bring joy to those in need. Our program is committed to making a positive difference in the community by harnessing the unconditional love and companionship of therapy dogs. Joining us at GATHER will be Opie and his handler, Norman.
PERFORMANCES (MAIN STAGE)
Mindful Yoga for Singers Workshop - Blue Rose Yoga
9:30am
Start the day off with Rose van der Hooft, MMUS, Y200H+, MBSR, of Blue Rose Yoga and Voice as she leads a workshop that will strengthen the connection between mind and body for expressive singing that “truly resonates the soul”. Focussing on breath calms the mind and heightens concentration, in order to let go of distractions and be fully present in the moment. Rose van der Hooft launched Blue Rose Yoga and Voice in 2019. In addition to 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, she continues to study including a year-long training in Yoga for Nervous System Resilience, courses in Chair Yoga for Brain Health, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Psychology and Neuroscience of the Chakras, Yoga Anatomy and Functional Anatomy. She is also a certified facilitator of the 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course. Drawing on her long career as a professional singer and voice teacher Rose focusses her yoga practice on breath and movement to inspire openness, release tension and balance the nervous system, to align, strengthen and stabilize the body, and to stretch finding space for greater flexibility and mobility. Rose offers a variety of yoga classes from Yin to Yoga Fit, Chair Yoga and Mindful Yoga for Singers online, in institutional, residential and wellness facilities throughout Winnipeg.
Mishkode bizhiki Anishinaabek Drum Group
10:00am
Mishkode bizhiki Anishinaabek, formally known as Buffalo Gals, have been an established circle for 20+ years. They are a community circle that runs independently. They gather together to carry their teachings and ceremony forward, in a good way. MCA is grateful to have Mishkode bizhiki Anishinaabek open up our day of performances at GATHER!
St. James-Assiniboia School Division Senior Concert Choir
10:35am
The SJASD Senior Concert Choir consists of singers from Grade 8 to 12. This choir has developed a reputation of being one of Manitoba's premier youth choirs. Membership in this choir gives singers the opportunity to develop their potential for musical excellence and to meet and work with other singers in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division. In addition to having fun, they also work very hard on challenging repertoire that represents a variety of genres. The singers have just returned from Camp Cedarwood where they got a jump start on repertoire for the year and they are excited about going to Boston in the spring!
Seniors Choral Society
10:50am
Founded in 1970 as the Senior Citizens' Choir of Winnipeg, the Seniors Choral Society are an SATB choir with a varied repertoire including sacred/classical music, show tunes, and folk songs. They welcome anyone aged 55 and over and no audition is required. In addition to performing at Retirement Residences and Personal Care Homes, they have a public concert every spring.
The Matriarchy
11:25am
The Matriarchy is a new vocal trio comprised of fourth-year voice majors in the Desautels Faculty of Music at the University of Manitoba. Sandra Goetz, Hannah Orr, and Isla Shea formed the ensemble in January of this year and have been performing regularly since. Finalists in the 2024 St. John’s College Ensemble Competition at U of M, The Matriarchy is praised for their impeccable blend and crowd-pleasing tunes. When they are not singing together, the ladies of The Matriarchy can be found watching BBC period drama adaptations instead of doing their homework.
Bison Men's Chorus
11:40am
The Bison Men's Chorus is a community-based chorus made up of singers from Winnipeg and the surrounding area many of them students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Manitoba . The repertoire consists of traditional male chorus selections, spirituals, jazz arrangements, folk and art songs, sacred music, show pieces and commissioned works.
Dominion Voices
11:55am
Dominion Voices is a vibrant Nigerian choir composed of members from different tribes, united in their faith and musical expression. Performing in the church choir at RCCG Dominion Sanctuary, they use their diverse cultural backgrounds to celebrate and honour Jesus, bringing a unique and powerful message of unity and devotion through their performances.
MCA Scholarship Presentations
12:10pm
Join us as we honour the recipients of this year's Bert Kroeker Scholarship and David G.H. Waters Hymn Sing Memorial Award!
John Taylor Collegiate Concert Choir
12:25pm
This group of hard-working and fun-loving students are in Grades 9-12 at John Taylor Collegiate. They perform at a variety of school functions and festivals throughout the year. One highlight of last year was performing at Music in the Parks in Chicago.
Winnipeg Nurses Choir
12:40pm
The Winnipeg Nurses Choir is a choir of working and retired nurses that was formed by artistic director Bill Quinn in 2018. The group meets weekly from September through May and performs at seniors residences, 55 plus facilities and at special events. The choir has appeared on CBC TV, Classic 107 radio and has performed the national anthem at Winnipeg Goldeyes and Manitoba Moose games. The choir is directed by Bill Quinn and accompanied by Megan Dufrat.
THOSE GUYS
1:05pm
Made up of performers who represent a cross-section of the Winnipeg music and theatre community, THOSE GUYS have built a reputation for dynamic, feel-good performances. Their repertoire, which ranges from Billy Joel to Bruno Mars, features complex (often original) musical arrangements performed without a single instrument. THOSE GUYS had the honour of opening for The Nylons during their Farewell Tour in 2016 and have released four albums, “That Album” (2012), “Live!” (2014), “This Christmas” (2015) and “At Home” (2020).
Due North Voices
1:35pm
Due North Voices is a dynamic 6-person contemporary vocal jazz/pop ensemble from Winnipeg. With previous performances at breweries and cafés, they are looking forward to what is in store for the future.
Incantatem Singers
1:50pm
Incantatem is an SATB a cappella choir whose members range in age from 18-65+. They sing primarily their own arrangements of geeky fandom music. In the past they have sung arrangements of pieces from Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, video games, and many more. Their annual show is in November.
Stradbrook Avenue Show Choir
2:20pm
Stradbrook Avenue Show Choir is a community based non auditioned, mixed voices choir. The choir rehearses Friday mornings at Fort Garry United Church. Their repertoire consists of popular songs and show tunes from recent and bygone times.
Awards of Distinction Presentations
2:35pm
Join us for the presentations of this year's MCA Awards of Distinction, including the MCA Award for Artistic Excellence, the MCA Spirit Award, and the MCA New Voice Award!
Musica Singers
3:10pm
Musica Singers is Manitoba’s newest vocal ensemble showcasing Filipino art, culture, and traditions in its programs. The group’s repertoire ranges from folk and the classics like the kundiman, a Philippine art song, to popular and sacred choral music by contemporary composers. The ensemble’s notable performances include the Community Celebration concerts of the WSO, the first Filipino Heritage Celebration of the Winnipeg Jets, and Manitoba Choral Association’s first intercultural choral festival. Members come from the growing Filipino community in Winnipeg and their deep love and appreciation for Philippine music has brought them together as the Musica Singers.
GATHER Sing-Along
3:30pm-4:15pm
Wrap up a day of choral festivities with an audience sing-along led by the GATHER Sing-Along Band featuring Dorothy Dyck, Dylan Summers, Mike Diehl, and Ian Mikita. The band will lead the crowd in some sing-along classics from folk tunes to pop anthems. No singing experience required! Whether you are a seasoned singer or just love to hum along, we want you there! Lyrics sheets will be provided.
VENUE
The festival will be held at the Lyric Theatre in beautiful Assiniboine Park, Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and please dress for the weather! The event will go ahead rain or shine!
The washrooms beside the Lyric Stage are fully accessible. The festival area will be entirely on grass, which can be uneven terrain.
MAP OF THE PARK:
