Corazón auditions young singers for a new year of genre-defying music-making
By Contributor
Nelson’s celebrated Corazón ensemble is auditioning new members for the coming year.
The 65 members of the group range in age from 13 to 21. Each year Corazón undergoes some turnover, as older singers move on into their adult lives and new singers join.
Auditions will take place on September 9. Anyone wishing to audition should email the director, Allison Girvan, at alligirvan@gmail.com to reserve a spot and find out further details of the audition. This year’s auditions will focus on singers 15 and older, although singers age 13 and 14 may apply.
Membership requirements include an annual membership fee, attendance at a weekly rehearsal combined with home music study, and participation in several concerts throughout the year.
Last year, Corazón performed at the Voices West Festival in Vancouver and in several local concerts. The year’s highlight was a trip made by 46 of the older singers to the Kaleid Festival in Woodstock, Ontario, where they had the honour of being the official Youth Choir in Residence, acting as mentors to a number of Ontario high school choirs and in turn being mentored by the world-famous Finnish singing group Rajaton.
Corazon’s performances go beyond traditional choral format, incorporating movement, choreography, body percussion, innovative configurations of singers around the room, connection with the audience, and an eclectic international music repertoire focusing on human rights and social justice.
Corazón is a powerful incubator of local musical talent. Many young people have gone on to success in music or theatre (or other life pursuits) bolstered by their vocal training in the group. In 2009, Nelson City Council named Corazón its first annual official cultural ambassador.
Singers typically remain in the group throughout their high school years and beyond, passionately dedicated to the stimulating artistic mentorship provided by Allison Girvan.
For information about Corazón, call the group’s manager, Bill Metcalfe, at (250) 352-7670
