Madrigal Singes win national choral competition
Written By: Geoff McMaster
2004-04-28
The University of Alberta Madrigal Singers took the top prize in the Mixed Choir category of the CBC's Choral Competition last night.It marks the fourth time the choir has won in this category, with previous wins in 1992, 1996 and 1998. But it was the first time the competition was judged based on live-to-air performance rather than on taped submissions.
The singers performed at All Saints Anglican Church in Edmonton Tuesday, and the concert was broadcast across the country on CBC Radio Two. The win comes with a $3,000 cash prize, in addition to repeat national broadcasts of the performance.
"In some ways it's less unnerving than waiting for the results of a tape you made four or five months ago," said choir director and U of A music professor Dr. Len Ratzlaff. "At least you have a little more control over your immediate product, and it's a lovely venue, so we were comfortable singing there."
The Madrigals, composed of 44 singers, sang three pieces: "Nachtlied," a prayer by German composer Max Reger; a fast-paced 'chanson' by the French composer Maurice Ravel and a spiritual called "Deep River" by Norman Luboff.
"It showed the choir's ability to sing in different languages and with a lot of variety," Ratzlaff said. Though the choir had done these pieces many times in concert and on record before, it rehearsed for about four or five hours this past week to perfect them.
"It was the final event for the choir this year, and it was nice to have a chance to party and celebrate after." The timing for the win couldn't have been better, since about two thirds of the choir will have to be replaced next year.
"Typically it's a third that turns over each year, but this year we only had nine people who didn't sing the year before, so next year we're paying the price for that. It's a rebuilding year for sure," Ratzlaff said.
The Memorial University Choir of Newfoundland was the other Mixed Choir finalist, and they made it "a really tight competition," said Ratzlaff. "They were beautifully in tune with an interesting repertoire."
The Madrigals are still eligible for the $5,000 Healey Willan Grand Prize, to be announced Wednesday night. "I have a feeling one of the chamber choirs is going to take that, but we'll wait and see," Ratzlaff said.
Original: ExpressNews