The first taste of what promises to be a spicy spring concert was delivered by Quadra Singers at the island’s community lunch recently.
When the first three singers stood up from their midday meal to launch the flash mob, islanders who crowd into the community centre for the weekly lunch put down their soup spoons, and conversations paused. Then, they began clapping along as the choir rose to perform their first-ever “spontaneous” song and dance.
“There’s no chance to truly rehearse a flash mob, so we were glad to hear the hoots of appreciation that were mixed in with enthusiastic applause when we finished the song. It seemed to confirm that our friends and neighbours were pleasantly surprised as well as entertained,” says Linda Cannon, Quadra Singers’ choir director.
The flash mob performance was planned as an appetizer for the community choir’s upcoming spring concert. Quadra Singers and guest performers will present Musical Potpourri April 27 and 28.
“This spring’s concert blends songs and theatre into an uplifting celebration of spring, with a wide range of entertainment,” says Cannon. “It just made sense to throw in a flash mob. And, of course, branching out like this was great fun for the entire choir as well.” Cannon says the choral mix will include jazzy showtunes, rousing gospel, African and Indian folk songs with drums, a piece from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro – and much more. Guest performances will include: a medley of British isles folks songs by a harp duet, special appearances by a newly-formed men’s ensemble, songs by a trio of female voices and an accapella duet. The concert will also include a monologue from one of Theatre Quadra’s upcoming performance of one-act plays. Quadra Singers will take their spring concert overseas again this year, with a Sunday afternoon concert on Cortes Island. To see Musical Potpourri, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 27 or Sunday, April 28. For Saturday’s concert at the Quadra Island Legion, doors open at 7 p.m., and show starts at 7:30. Sunday’s concert at the Gorge Hall on Cortes starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available for the Quadra concert at Hummingbird and Works of H’art ($10 advance, $12 door, under 12 half price and under five free.) Cortes tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults, children 12 and under free.