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Edmonton Swiss Men's Choir

 

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Vision & Repertoire

Over the years the choir has built up an extensive repertoire which continues to grow each season.  The ESMC performs a wide variety of choral music, almost exclusively without accompaniment.  Selections range from the classic harmonies of Bortniansky's "Ich bete an die Macht der Liebe" to the modern sound of "Chuehreiheli," composed in 1995 for the choir by Hans Kennel to imitate the natural harmonics of the alphorn.  As one might expect from a Swiss choir there is a number of yodels as well, although these are not a major part of the repertoire.  The choir sings in all four official Swiss languages (German, French, Italian and Romansch), with some selections in English and – around Christmastime – the occasional foray into Latin or Ukrainian.

A disciplined approach to the music has had its rewards.  These have included first prizes in competition in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) in 1985, Calgary (Alberta) in 1988, in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) in 1997, in New Glarus (Wisconsin) in 2003 .

Our home city recognized these achievement with Edmonton's Salute to Excellence Award.

In 1991 ESMC toured Switzerland, staging eleven concerts in two weeks.  Four years later the choir returned to Switzerland for its second tour.  In June 1995, in Goldau, the choir competed against 56 other ensembles and came away with first place laurels.  A third tour to Switzerland took place in 2001. 

In the spring of 1998 the choir placed second in the biennial CBC Choral Competition, and that fall we were honoured to be asked to sing at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Swiss Society of Vancouver.

The rewards have taken different forms as well.  In addition to commissioning new music, the choir has been privileged to receive offers from composers to premiere new pieces.

In 1991 ESMC recorded its first CD, My Heimet.  By 1996-97 we felt it was time to take to the studio again. The "studio" was Knox Metropolitan United Church, where we laid down 19 tracks for Kamerade.  Early in 2005, the recordings for our third CD were completed.  This CD became available in the summer of 2005.

In the summer of 2005, the ESMC, at the occasion of its 25th anniversary, toured Switzerland with a side trip to France.  Concerts were given in many cities and towns.

In the spring of 2006, we toured South America, and gave performances to the Swiss Communities in Chile, Uruguay and Argentina.  This was followed, in June 2006, by a trip to Toledo, Ohio, to participate in the NASSA Swiss Singing Festival.

In 2007, we stayed in Alberta, where we gave a number of concerts.  We also took this opportunity to record a CD with Christmas music (our 4th CD).  It became available in August 2008, well in time for Christmas.

In 2008, we participated at the Sängerfest in Portland, Oregon (July 2008) and toured Central Canada.

In 2009, we participated at the Sängerfest in Banff (June 2009).  We're also planning a Spring Concert and a trip to Switzerland in 2010.  In 2011, we will be participating at the USSSPC in Vancouver, BC (Pacific Swiss Singing Societies).

 

 
 

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* The floral design of alpine flowers in the side panel is an embroidery, hand made by Maggie Naef, on our concert blouses.*
 
     

 

Page last updated: July 11, 2009
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