The 14th year of the ECCO Chamber Choir started off on Oct. 18, with many new songs and some new faces. The performance, entitled “Thank You!” was a fundraiser for the Manitoba Choir Association (MCA) and took place at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church.

There were many different types of songs sung: pop songs, inspirational ballads, folk songs and lullabies, all sung in a few different languages. With all of the songs, the singers’ voices blended well together, although there were times when the section singing the melody was overpowered by another section. The sopranos were especially striking, often hitting notes that I didn’t even know could be hit. The men had a turn to shine by singing the popular song Lullaby by Josh Groban. Here, the men were very impressive with their beautiful, interweaving harmonies.

All the songs chosen by conductor Carrie Schellenberg Wilson and played by accompanist Madeline Hildebrand were beautiful and unique in their own way, but, at times, “Thank You!” really felt like a first performance, and there is some room for improvements. Indeed, not only do the songs have to be great and “wow” the audience, but the performance aspect must be equally well done. While most of the singers were very into the music, wearing the appropriate expressive emotions on their faces, there were also the odd few that had just blank looks on their face. These few did not look into the music at all, which took away some of the feeling of the songs.

You know when you get shivers just by listening to a song? Well, during the first half, this effect wasn’t quite achieved for me, as the group as whole didn’t quite seem strong enough. Perhaps it was just a case of opening jitters, though, because, after intermission, the choir came back with renewed power in their voices and the songs came out exquisitely beautiful and strong.

Up next was the U of M Concert Choir directed by Ed and Millie Hildebrand. This was their first public performance, and they are a massive choir. Even though this was their very first public performance, it sounded like they had been doing this for years. One familiar song performed was a rendition of the Beatles’ Penny Lane, and it was easily the highlight. It was one of those performances that had you moving in your seat or tapping your foot, and, best of all, the choir looked like they were having fun as well.

For the finale, both choirs joined forces to deliver a great and memorable performance. Both choirs seemed to work well together and it was an extraordinary finish to an amazing concert.
ECCO is having three more shows throughout the year, a Christmas concert on Dec. 13, 2009 at 7 p.m., a big band dance in February and a final concert in May.

To learn more about the ECCO Chamber Choir, or to get information about tickets and venues visit www.eccochamberchoir.ca.