Live music is alive and well in Chilliwack.
The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus has been leading the way for local live music, and their memorable 2015 concert series closes with a bang on May 30 at the Cultural Centre with featured guest artists, Vivace.
The powerful Vivace will be backed by the CSO that night, under the able direction of the CSO music director Paula DeWit.
This concert with its stellar lineup of beloved classical and contemporary music, "presents the perfect opportunity for neophytes" who may wish to dive into the world of symphonic music for the first time, she said.
Vivace includes four exceptional singers: Melody Courage, Tiffany Desrosiers, Marc Devigne and Michael Ciufo.
The group started merging their talents in 2010 performing at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Since then, they have gone on to tour the United States and Canada, captivating audiences everywhere they go.
They are the latest to join the classical and pop crossover phenomena known as "popera" and audiences jump up to offer standing ovations once they hear the incredible harmonies. They are already being called the best classical-pop group since The Canadian Tenors.
The stirring combination of powerful male voices and emotionally driven female vocals come together to create a sound that is exclusively theirs. With a rich and diverse repertoire ranging from pop, to arias, to their own original material, Vivace is a fresh new take on the classical and modern music of today.
"Treat yourself and be entertained by this amazingly talented group, now on track to rival in popularity with our all time favourite musical standouts like The Canadian Brass and The Canadian Tenors,” said DeWit.
The CSO prides itself on a fantastic commitment and connection with youth and they plan to continue to foster young musicians at the May 30 performance.
Grace Owens, 14, will open the concert. She has been singing since she could talk, and since her whole family loves to sing, her vocal musicality is something that she picked up quite naturally. In Grade 1, she started playing the guitar and just this past January she started singing lessons. When she went to a Taylor Swift concert as a six-year-old, she told her mom that she would like to play and sing for lots of people on a stage one day.
"The CSO is now delighted to provide this opportunity for her."
Karl Jiung, 11, will play Minuet in G by J.S. Bach on his guitar.
He's back performing by popular demand after the last concert on April 11.
The CSO event is the perfect family-friendly outing. Ever After Princess Party Events will be greeting patrons in the Cultural Centre lobby beginning at 6:30 p.m. and again later during the intermission.
Founded by local theatre personalities Emily Hamel and Pauline Dynowski, they pride themselves on providing high quality entertainment for birthday parties or events.
"Be sure to enjoy and catch their antics in the lobby."
The fairy tale characters are singers as well as actors, and their impressive talent is known to magically transform any festive occasion.
"Their presence in the lobby will enhance the evening’s concert experience for the younger members of the audience and provide added enjoyment for all."
The Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and Chorus with special guests Vivace take the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre HUB International Theatre on May 30.
Tickets by calling 604-391-SHOW (-7469) or online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca or in person at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.