Autism is a subject that is close to my heart -
-ever since I helped produce, direct and write a film about it (There’s Hope Out There) , with the financial support of David Patchell-Evans, of GoodLife Fitness in London Ontario. “Patch”, as his friends call him, is a big supporter of Autism Canada, which is dedicated to getting information out to families about all available treatments. Autism Canada believes in a holistic approach to treating autism and encourages all parents to seek information on the biomedical, behavioural and nutritional treatment options that are available.
This is just a short note to review a recent fundraising event held for Autism Canada called Harmony And Hope….thanks to the sponsorship of a wonderful choral group and the generosity of London’s Cherryhill Mall and Mary R. Di Salvo Financial Services.
As the audience gathered in the Sanctuary of what must be one our most beautiful and historic churches, the building was filled with the sound of exquisite organ music played by the talented Aaron James.
The Conspirato Singers of London hosted this fabulous concert at First St. Andrews Church in London on February 22nd. It was the perfect venue for what can only be described as a choral extravaganza. With a big smile on his face, Jeffrey Beynon of Medway High School exclaimed from the centre of the main sanctuary, during his choir’s rehearsal, “You know…this room LOVES music”.
All of the proceeds from the concert went to benefit Autism Canada. The weather was great and the turnout was even better than expected. Autism Canada took in about $4,000.00 and expenses were minimal , as so much was done by volunteers. This money will help Autism Canada continue its important work. As Executive Director Laurie Mawlam, herself the Mother of a child diagnosed with autism puts it, Autism Canada is “Engaging, educating, empowering and uniting people to find the cause and the cure for Autism.
(Autism Canada also supports the very promising research of Dr. Derrick MacFabe at The University of Western Ontario. Dr. MacFabe and his team are working hard to solve the mystery of autism).
Just a word here about the host choir, “Conspirato”; the name comes from the Latin, meaning “to breathe together”. It’s a group of 24 voices (male and female), based on democratic principles – meaning that all members have input into how the choir goes about its work. Conspirato performed under the direction of the talented Liska Jetchick, one of the choir’s founding members; she was assisted by Kristin Darsaut . Their music was inspiring, uplifting and unforgettable. If this choir is ever in your neighborhood…definitely go see them and drink in their amazing energy.
In fact, the entire evening was one of energy and enthusiasm.
The Medway High School Senior Choir kicked off the programme on an upbeat note with a brilliant rendition of Loch Lomond and a moving interpretation of O Magnum Mysterium, by Lauridson. The Medway voices…rich, exciting and melodic teenagers …were directed by Jeffrey Beynon and Kathy Fulton, who have been instrumental in maintaining the international reputation of the Medway choir.
Then there was The Canadian Celtic Choir, also founded in London. Conductor Dan Surman led this dedicated group through one of the most touching musical compositions I have ever heard, called “Prayer For The Children”…a song composed and written by American musician Kurt Bestor, who was deeply moved by the effect of the conflict in Bosnia on the children there. The audience was spellbound. This choir’s next big engagement will be in Maui, Hawaii in early March.
Following the Celtic version of the beautiful song “Rhythm of Life”, we were treated to a performance by a young man who is surely destined to become one of Canada’s great pianists. University of Western Ontario student, Timothy Cheung, in a virtuoso performance, played Frederic Chopin’s Ballade No. 4. He received a standing ovation.
And just before intermission there was a very special treat. Something that few of us get to experience in our lifetimes. A Mother and daughter duo sang one of their own compositions, called “Possibilities”.
What made this performance so special was the fact that Kim is Mom to Sara, who has grown up in the realm of autism. Together they demonstrated the love that parents feel for their children, the inspirational power of music and its healing qualities. Kim and Sara Souch are planning a cross-Canada tour starting in the spring.
Their performance brought tears to the eyes of many.
After a short intermission, a unique choir of twelve beautiful young women sang 4 short songs that showed just how creative and original a group of human voices can be. Their name is “Project Sing!”. They performed under the direction of Professor Jennifer Moir of UWO and their goal is to explore new means of expression through choral art. Ms Moir says the choir likes to do pieces that resonate with them and there is no doubt that the music they performed resonated with the audience.
The evening’s programme concluded with the all of the choirs massed together in a great collection of talented voices to perform one of the foremost choral works of all time: “Hymn To Freedom” .
All in all it was a beautiful and memorable evening.
