Chor Leoni closes out 30th season with PopCappella II, June 25

The upbeat concert features arrangements of songs by artists such as The Weeknd, The Proclaimers, Indigo Girls, and more

Chor Leoni presents PopCappella II on June 25 at 5 pm and 8 pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church

The era of post-pandemic performance saw Chor Leoni return to the stage in prime form, with events like its 2021 Remembrance Day and holiday concerts being topnotch, upped only by its recent introduction of the Leonids, a professional supergroup, as part of the 2022 VanMan Choral Summit.

Now, the singing lions bring their 30th season to a close with PopCappella II. The high-energy concert features arrangements of songs by the likes of The Weeknd, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Cliff, A-ha, Caribou, Tegan and Sara, Indigo Girls, and the Proclaimers.

The concert features a full backing band that includes bassist Jodi Proznick; multi-percussionist Liam MacDonald; guitarist-vocalist Keith Sinclair; and organist Tim Woodford, St. Andrew’s-Wesley’s recently appointed director of music. Woodford’s playing will give local audiences the chance to hear the recently restored Casavant organ in ways it has never been played before.

Sinclair has been making music for well over two decades. His time singing with Chor Leoni nurtured his love of arranging, and some of his compositions are now sung by choirs around the world. His new arrangement of “Galileo” will have its world premiere at the show. Other program highlights include an original work off of Proznick’s Juno-nominated album Sun Songs; an arrangement of Caribou’s “Sister” by Canadian composer Marie-Claire Saindon; and a new work by Don Macdonald, Chor Leoni’s composer in residence.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming the summer and closing our 30th season with such a fun program,” Chor Leoni artistic director Erick Lichte says in a release. “The beautiful venue, state-of-the-art lighting and sound facilities, and the full complement of instruments accompanying the choir will bring new life to familiar favourites and help the new pieces shine.”

For tickets and more information, visit chorleoni.org.

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