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Choir goes to Prague

The Bel Canto Youth Choir travels to Prague for the young2013 music festival March 19.

The Bel Canto Youth Choir travels to Prague for the young2013 music festival March 19.

The 22-member choir, ages 13 to 25, will be presenting a 20-minute showcase of their talent during the non competitive section of the festival in the Czech Republic,.

"It's a competitive and non competitive festival where a bunch of choirs from all over the world come and sing," said Melanie Nichol, artistic director of the Bel Canto choirs.

One of the highlights of the festival occurs when all participants of the non competitive part of the festival, including choirs and orchestras, will parade around the streets of Prague.

The grand finale of the parade sees the musicians gather together en masse to perform Jubilate Deo by Czech composer Marko Ivanovic, said Nichol.

Festivals like this happen all over the world, said Nichol, and the parents of the choristers, as well as the board of Bel Canto, decided this was the adventure to go on.

"The wheels were set in motion about a year ago and away we went," said Nichol.

During the 20-minute program the choir will perform five pieces including Canadian pieces, from Imant Raminsh and Stephanie Martin.

The choir has a fundraiser going right now called Pennies for Prague. There are tins set out at businesses throughout the community and Nichol is encouraging everyone to donate for the cause. For a bigger donation visit www.belcantochoirs.ca.