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12-The Canadian Champion, Friday, March 12, 2004 ,Concert aims to quench entertainment thirst - By STEPHANIE THIESSEN The Champion rainerd Blyden-Taylor is - busy travelling the world with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale he founded six years ago. But this month, the former Milton Choristers director will be retum- ing to Milton for what he views as a homecommng concert. He said it'îl be like he's performing for Leans how Io takesmare of aor psifi hait type and look yoar abslate beety day by wearng the nght ait iy and inqthe appfprile hait pioda i istit style Aan aidîd bonus, recîen dsaletfie HAIS MILiSon riai product recommened ID you (enduire aSoat oiait miles prisras whin) 13 charles street a milton emallInfo@hairstudIa101.com * Mirasol Spanish Services Rosemary Davison, B.A., M.A., B.EI. presents The Spring Beqinners' Spanish Class Wednesdays, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Apr. 7 - June 22 (last cisass on Tues.) Leam Sopanish for business, for travel or sioly. for funt family. "I feet like l'ni comiîsg home.- The Nathaniel Deii Chorale will perform Mar-ch 27 ai 7:30 p.m. ai Si. Paul's United Church, 123 Main St. E. "The show will be a cross section of what we do." Mr. Blydees-Talor said. -We'l do soîne spirituals. some of Nathane Dets music, sonne more con- temporary classical repertoire and somne Cuban folk songs." The common thread linking these music styles is they're aIl Afro-centrir, Mr. Blyden-Taylor said, adding the concert wilI give Miltonians a chance 10 experience some musical styles they probably don't often hear. Concert organizer Jack White of St. Paul's United Church said it's going 10 he an exciting concert. "l've seen them (the chorale) on TV and t think they're awesome," he said. "Because they're the kind of thing we haven't heard in town, we thought we'd like to bring them in." The Nathaniel Dett Chorale was fouîsded in 1998 in response to what Mr. Blyden- Taylor called "a musical void in Canada." Members of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale are set ta perform at St. Paul's United Church March 27. It's Canada's first professional choral group dedicated te, Afro-centric music of ail styles including classical, spiritual, gospel, jazz, folk and blues. In addition 10 delighting audiences, the group aims 10 promote the original works of past and present Afro-centric composers. TMe chorale consists of 21 classically trained singers. 'he choir's namesake was an African- Canadian composer who died in 1943. Mr. Blyden-Taylor said naming the choir after Mr. Dent was his way of paying trihute to a man he said has inspired him both person- ally and professionally. "He paved a way for those following in his path - myself included." The chorale gives Mr Blyden-Taylor a chance to educate people, he said. "People ask who Nathaniel Dett was, and we say he was pani of the Canadian, musi- cal and black heritage." Staning the chorale was a >vay of cor- recting some of the stereotypes Mr. Blyden-Taylor said he oflen faced as a black conductor and musician, Black choirs, he said, are often "pigeon-holed" as gospel choirs. 'he chorale is Mr. Blyden-Taylor's way of showing the diversity of Afro-centric music. "There was a real need in Canada for an ensemble showcasing a variety of Afro- centric music," said Mr. Blyden-Taylor, who, besides directing the chorale, works for U ofT's faculty of music. He's also the musical director for St. Timothy's Anglican Church in Toronto. Choir members aren't just singers or musicians, Mr. Blyden-Taylor said. "They're ambassadors of cultural diversi- ty. I Mr. Blyden-Taylor directed the Milton Choriaters from 1982 10 1990. "It was a rich lime," he said. "I made a lot of friendships there (Milton) that still last today." Proceeds from the concert will go toward reducing St. PauI's United Church's debt, particularly debt incurred from a $350,000 addition a few years back. "This is a chance to showcase our church and give something back to the communi- ty," Mr. White said, adding, "This town is hungry for good entertainment." Tickets cost $25 for adults and $22 for seniors and are available by calling (905) 878-6807 or (905) 878-8895. Stephanie Tliiessen cari he reached ai aîhiessaennil- toncanadianchampion.com. ,elURAY'S SWIM1ý 0> SNV1M BOLTTIQI REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING CLASSES STARTINO MARCH 22 14 week program For infants, children 6 days/week teens &aduits PRIVATE - Semi (max. 2 children) - Semi (max. 3 children) *Red cross'Level 1-12 é Royal Life Saving 1-2-3 eRangers - Rookies * Star Program e Bronze Medallion - Bronze Cross - S.R.A. 250 BRONTE ST. S. MILTON 905-878-9747