Artscene By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF · FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2009 29 Masterworks joins forces with children for season finale Masterworks of Oakville is ending its season on a high note next weekend. The local chorus and orchestra will present John Rutter's Mass of the Children, as well as Ah My Love Flutters by Charles Demuynck, the group's artistic director and conductor. The concert will be extra special with the addition of soprano Heidi Cyfko, tenor Leander Mendoza and bass Neil Aronoff, as well as the Oakville Children's Choir. "We're pleased to work with the Oakville Children's Choir because they are really an excellent group," Demuynck said. John Rutter (1945- ) is a legendary English choral composer. Mass of the Children is a newer addition to his extensive collection of choral compositions, premiering in 2003. The piece has a sad history, as it was composed after the tragic death of Rutter's son, Christopher, who died at age 19 in a road accident in 2001. The work is hauntingly beautiful, Demuynck said. "Because it is more recent, it will be new to a lot of people," he said. "It isn't like some of his pieces that have been around for 40 years. It is a wonderful work. It is extremely gentle and lyrical." The piece will feature a massive choir, with the 64-strong Masterworks chorus joining forces with 37 members from the senior choir of the Oakville Children's Choir. Demuynck said it is a must-see performance. "We rehearsed once already with the children's choir and they are doing a tremendous job and are a great group of singers," he said. "John Rutter has this charm when he writes for children." A chamber-sized orchestra and organ will accompany the choir. NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER See Choir page 30 Artistic Director Charles Demuynck