Pipestone Flyer
Leduc choir Piatta Forma Singers joined the Black Gold Community Band in an outstanding concert held at Peace Lutheran Church in Leduc city’s downtown core, on the evening of Saturday December 6th.
Piatta Forma Singers, a community choir, was founded in 1994 by the dynamic and talented Arlene Klonteig who was the proud recipient of the City of Leduc’s 2013 Culture and Heritage Recognition Award. The choir now comprises 47 members of various ages who all share wonderful vocal talents. Don Steenwinkel, music and musical teacher at Leduc Composite High (LCHS), is the interim choir director while Ms. Klonteig is battling health concerns (our best wishes for her recovery). Happy with his new role, Don hopes to help strengthen the choir’s brand name, and to continue the great musical tradition created by Ms. Klonteig.
Accompanied by Kathy Regehr, the first act of the Piatta Forma Singers’ concert was a wonderful blend of unique versions of traditional Christmas songs. One piece was ‘Vuelie’ which was much acclaimed as part of the ‘Frozen’ music score.
The second act, ‘Three Gifts: A Christmas Cantata’ was crafted by three American composers and brilliantly narrated by Rebecca Hiller and Lucas Paterson, both LCHS students.
Mr. Steenwinkel encouraged the audience to sing along with the choir twice and at the very end, the choir and guests all sang a traditional Silent Night. Several solos were much appreciated; Murray Grunwald and Janice Egleston were impressive performers, while Tanya Chrapko, a Calmar native and experienced singer, joined three youthful singers in their own impressive solos.
The Black Gold Community Band is a group of fifteen gifted musicians, playing wind instruments, piano and drums. Formed in 1987, it is now directed by youthful Carly Loewen who is a Thorsby school teacher. The tuba in particular was a strong presence in each musical piece.
Their seasonal selections were well-chosen and perfectly performed. Interestingly, a guest clarinetist hails from Australia, Sonya Elek is here with her two sons and husband Peter Elek who is soon ending a one-year teacher exchange at Notre Dame School. Sonya also sang in the first act of the Piatta Forma Singers’ performance.
A mid-concert collection was to benefit the Leduc & District Food Bank which continues to support the less fortunate residents of our region, and invites anyone interested to go get a tour of its facility.
Piatta Forma Singers is starting a new season in January, and invites hopeful singers to attend its first rehearsal at Peace Lutheran on January 8 at 7pm. All in all, it was a wonderful concert and will be presented again next year.
Pictured: Piatta Forma Singers entertain alongside of the Black Gold Community Band. Photo by Dominique Vrolyk