The Canadian Opera Company invites singers of all ages and abilities to join together in a powerful display of the connecting power of music: the Virtual Choir. Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst has led the COC Chorus to critical acclaim on the company’s mainstage. Now, she is guiding opera fans and singing enthusiasts through a rousing rendition of the famous Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore, in a series of video tutorials. Participants can learn and record a singing role, or choose to take on percussion, with the option of later being featured in a video compilation of the at-home choir.

“We’re very excited about this project,” says COC General Director Alexander Neef. “We know that our audiences and local communities have missed being able to take part in the many music workshops we typically host throughout the year, including our popular Chorus Sing-Along event. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone once again, virtually, and having this unique opportunity to connect, while physically apart.” 

“Verdi’s Anvil Chorus is a perfect choice for a wide range of voices and experience levels to sing together,” says Horst. “We are trying to create an engaging way to involve people and give them the opportunity to really let loose and have fun at a time when many of us need an uplifting sense of community. If singing is not your thing or you want to involve your young people, feel free to grab anything you have around the house to add your own ‘anvil’ percussion. Let’s have some fun making music together!”

Starting today, participants can register for this event at www.coc.ca. Following registration, they will receive a “starter pack” of learning materials, including: 

- Step-by-step video tutorials recorded by Sandra Horst

- A backing track featuring COC Ensemble Studio soprano Anna-Sophie Neher, bass-baritone Joel Allison, and pianist/intern coach Rachael Kerr

- Full instructions on how to record their part, if desired, and send to the COC for possible inclusion in the video compilation

The deadline for submissions is May 30, 2020, after which the COC will create and share the full chorus video. No previous musical experience is required and participants are encouraged to be as creative as they like in recording their submissions. 

For more details, please visit www.coc.ca.

Photo: Sandra Horst, Chorus Master of the Canadian Opera Company.