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46 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday December 5, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Artscene · FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2008 Singing in colour MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER R IS FOR RED: A new chamber choir called RED rehearses at Maple Grove United Church. Singers are (l-r) Holly Freeman, Bronwen Fitzsimons, Vilija Hakala, Jennifer Cervini, Jason Mowatt, Michael Bond, Andrew Beauchamp and Geoffrey Fogden. Missing choir members are Alex Palmer, Christabel Pinto and Andrei Streliaev. New choir RED brings youthful spirit to local music scene By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF A new group of singers in town will have people seeing, and hearing, RED. That's the name of a chamber choir featuring the vocal talents of younger adults in the community. The 12-member group formed in the fall to fill a musical void in the area, according to founder Katie Kirkup-Ortolan. "I feel this meets the demand for young people," said Kirkup-Ortolan, artistic director and conductor. "This is a choir of young people, but that being said, it doesn't mean that they are novice. They are all highly trained singers and I feel that there was a demand for a place for them to go. I would like to revitalize choral singing in this community and I feel it must be done through young people." The name of the group was inspired by the choir members' passion for music. "Throughout time, the colour red has been a powerful symbol of boldness, ener- gy, passion, fire and love," she said. "And that's exactly what we have here in these young people and their dedication to music." Kirkup-Ortolan decided to form a choral group of singers between ages of 25 and 30 after recently completing a graduate degree in conducting from the University of Toronto. She calls Burlington home, but is well known in parts of Oakville as a former music teacher at Iroquois Ridge. She worked at the school for 12 years and used her contacts to amass the chamber choir. "They are all from Oakville and are Iroquois Ridge graduates," she said. "They are not necessarily professional musicians, but are wanting a place to practice music. These are people who have vocal experience and training." Although Kirkup-Ortolan's specialty is early music, she said she is not restricting the group's repertoire to any specific musical period. "Throughout time, the colour red has been a powerful symbol of boldness, energy, passion, fire and love. And that is exactly what we have here in these young people and their dedication to music." Katie Kirkup-Ortolan Artistic director and conductor of RED "It's an outstanding ensemble and it's our goal to do significant choral literature," she said. "The richness of choral music changes through the ages. You can have a much fuller experience if you study the music of different eras." Kirkup-Ortolan said she is enjoying working with the choir. "I get my energy from them," she said. "Not only are they great musicians, but their youth is inspiring. They have so much ahead of them and are such wonderful people that it is a two-way street, because it also enriches my life. I love it." The group is giving its first performance on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The centerpiece of the concert is Miserere by Gregorio Allegri. The concert will also feature other pieces, such as Spanish and French carols, as well as some familiar tunes. Some of the pieces will be a cappella, while others will be accompanied by piano, organ, a handbell choir and the brass quartet, Falgarwood Brass. "I think people who love choral singing will enjoy this concert, as well as people who want to hear familiar music and something they have not heard before," KirkupOrtolan said. "I think people who are interested in the youth of our community should come." RED performs Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. at Maple Grove United Church, 346 Maple Grove Dr. Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 12. Tickets are available at L'Atelier Grigorian, 210 Lakeshore Rd. E. and Bookers, 172 Lakeshore Rd. E. For information on RED, contact Katie Kirkup-Ortolan at 905-330-1620.