Blyth Festival Singers
A Message from the Director
The Blyth Festival Singers have had a very successful 30th Anniversary Season, graciously sponsored by the Ontario Arts Council. One highlight of our anniversary year was the awarding of six 30-year Ontario Volunteer Service Awards to choir members who have worked with the choir since its inception!
We celebrated Christmas at Knox Presbyterian Church with the multi-talented Beard Family. Our highly successful May Cabaret featured the Howlin’ Dog Vintage Jazz Band and ever-popular silent auction. Foregoing our usual April concert, the Blyth Festival Singers opted for an ambitious recording program.
A 30th Anniversary compilation of the Singers’ favourites will be ready for release on September 11 at the Homegrown Country Cabaret when the Singers join with the most memorable personalities from former Blyth Festival productions for a special one-night-only retrospective of the last 35 years of the arts in Blyth. Blyth Festival Singers’ CD’s will be for sale at this event, so pick one up before they are gone!
Robert Blackwell
CONDUCTOR and ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
BLYTH FESTIVAL SINGERS
Director of Music, Blyth Festival Singers
A Goderich area resident, Robert Blackwell is the Director of Music at Knox Presbyterian Church in Goderich, accompanist for the Huron String School, and he teaches private piano and theory. He is the former Director of Music at Central United Church in Stratford. For many years, he taught elementary school vocal and instrumental music in Elgin and Huron Counties. He completed graduate and post-graduate studies in music education at the University of Western Ontario. He has an Associate Diploma in organ and a diploma in choral conducting, both from the Royal Canadian College of Organists. Robert has been awarded scholarships in choral conducting as well as a gold medal from the University of Western Ontario.
This is Robert's eighth season as director of the Blyth Festival Singers. Time not devoted to music is spent operating a small fine woodworking business.
Accompanist, Blyth Festival Singers
Sharon Johnston holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, with a specialty in accompanying. She studied performance with Boyd Macdonald, accompanying with Marjorie Beckett, and choral music with Barrie Cabena. She has accompanied for the dance departments at the University of Waterloo and Simon Fraser University, as well as for many soloists and chamber ensembles. Sharon has a music studio in Goderich where she teaches piano, theory, and harp.
History of the Blyth Festival Singers
The Blyth Festival Singers (BFS) is a mixed community choir under professional direction, and it is part of the larger Blyth Centre for the Arts organization. The concept of the choir began with several members of the Board of Directors of the Blyth Festival. In the spring of 1980, a director was hired, and in the fall of that year, there were many eager voices ready to join together in song. Choir members come from all areas of Huron County, and, although the membership has seen many faces come and go, the choir has thrived since its inception.
Over the years, the Blyth Festival Singers have worked to develop a high standard of performance and establish a loyal audience and have performed throughout Huron County and neighbouring areas and as far afield as Stratford, Centennial Hall, London and Port Nelson United Church in Burlington.
2010-2011 Season
Registration for the Blyth Festival Singers will take place on September 15 for interested new members. Call 519-482-9265 for more information..
Our upcoming season is a full one, so be sure to get out to the following events. Tickets are available through the Blyth Festival Box Office or from 519-482-9265 one month before the event.
Saturday, October 16, 2010 Blyth Festival Singers and McKay Choristers
Evening Massed Choir Concert - North Street United Church, Goderich.
Guest Conductor Victorian Meredith
Sunday December 5, 2010 - Knox Presbyterian Church Goderich – 2:30 pm
Special Guests Angus Sinclair, organ, Al Mullin, trumpet and Steve Hearn, percussion.
Saturday, December 18, 2010 – Bayfield Town Hall – “Christmas in Bayfield” – time tba
Sunday, April 3, 2011 – location tba – 2:30 pm
Celebrating African roots in Music
Featured Artist Denise Pelley, London
Saturday, May 28, 2011 – Cabaret Concert, Dinner and Silent Auction
Stanley Township Complex, Varna – 6:30 pm
Featuring Kincardine Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
Pipes and drums of the Celtic Blue, Goderich
Don Martin, Brussels Pipe Band Pipe Major
