Choirs raise voices for mental health

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This article was published 10/05/2017 (3100 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THERE’S a powerful tenet rooted in the Talmud — ostensibly, the Jewish book of law — that goes, “Whoever saves a life, saves the world.”

Whether one takes this statement literally or metaphorically, its guiding principle of interconnectivity has never been more timely, with an ever-increasing number of local arts organizations harnessing the power of music to reach out to those living in society’s shadows — and perhaps even saving a life or two along the way.

The Winnipeg Youth Chorus and Margaret’s Choir are teaming together this month to present an aptly titled benefit concert, Hope, co-presented with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. The 90-minute program being held May 24 at 7 p.m. at the Centennial Concert Hall will feature an eclectic evening of inspiring music, sung with gusto by 280 dedicated choristers aged seven to 70-plus, accompanied by pianists Charmaine Bacon and Katie Erickson. All proceeds will go to the non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating the stigma of mood disorders and improved mental health for all.

“This concert is all about hope; feeling hope for ourselves, as well as hope for others who are working through mental illness — and especially those who are close to us,” Margaret’s Choir music director Nathan Poole writes in an email.

“Margaret’s Choir and the Winnipeg Youth Chorus are taking a deliberate stand for those who are marginalized: those with mental health issues, because this is an issue that affects everybody. Nobody is immune.”

Margaret’s Choir, previously known as Spirit’s Call Choir and renamed to honour its late founder Margaret Tobin in 2014, has been growing by leaps and bounds. Now 215 singers strong, the non-auditioned community choir “sings for joy, as well as personal, choral and global harmony.” Notably, the ensemble has performed two benefit concerts annually for the past 15 years, raising $216,000 for charitable causes.

The Winnipeg Youth Choir, led by Garth and Lisa Rempel, likewise is a non-profit, auditioned choir for singers ranging from age seven to 22. The troupe has performed at the 2014 Juno Awards in Winnipeg, as well as in composer Zane Zalis’ Holocaust oratorio, I Believe at New York’s Lincoln Center in November 2014.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five people experience a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, with depression being ranked by the World Health Organization as the leading cause of disability in the world. It’s something that has touched so many lives and continues to do so.

The mood disorders association was founded in 1983 and offers peer drop-in, peer telephone, or one-on-one peer counselling to those struggling with mood disorders both locally and throughout the province, including friends, families, caregivers and supporters who may also be affected. The organization also offers various weekly groups and courses, with their services free of charge and open to all ages.

For more information, visit mooddisordersmanitoba.ca.

“Working with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba to raise money for their numerous life-saving programs is such a great opportunity. And, of course, using the language of music, which everybody understands, is key,” Poole says.

For tickets (adult $25/students $15) or information, call 204-479-6468, email winnipegyouthchorus@gmail.com or visit winnipegyouthchorus.com.

holly.harris@shaw.ca