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Musaic 2009
Musaic is currently a 39 voice, auditioned choir, based in Summerland. Founded in the spring of 1995 by Ken Gray, the first thirteen members performed Faure’s “Requiem”. Now singers come from all over the South and Central Okanagan to sing in this lively group.Over the years, the choir has performed with such acts as the Yamabiko Taiko Drummers, Masterworks Ensemble, Wind in the Woods, and Silver Reunion, a barbershop group. It has also performed the Requiems of both Faure and Rutter. During the year 2006-2007, there was a wonderful Christmas program with the Foothill Brass Ensemble and the spring concert featured an “Italian-flavoured” pops concert with Kelowna’s Cathedral Singers. Last year, the choir participated in the CBC’s reading of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol. As well, they performed traditional Christmas music in Summerland. More recently, the Easter concert featured music of the Passiontide. Following which was an outstanding spring concert performance with the Penticton High School Choir entitled “From Barkerville Playhouse to Broadway in Paris” which played to large audiences, both in Summerland and Penticton. Currently Musaic performed an outstanding concert with the world renowned Silver Ring Choir from Bath, UK to celebrate Penticton’s centennial. This sold out concert acclaims two standing ovations after the combined choirs performed the finale. This striking performance took place on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at the Cleland Theater at 7:30pm. In November 2008, the choir performed with the Okanagan Symphony "Regina Coeli" by Mozart under the direction of Rosemary Thompson. Tom Klassen sang the tenor part for the performances. With each rehearsal and performance, the choir strives to improve its performance level and repertoire. We look forward to many years under the capable and energetic direction of Tom Klassen. Please check out their website at http//:musaic.webs.com/.
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The Director
Musaic is pleased to present our third season with new director, Tom Klassen. Tom has been a choral director for 20 years, mostly in New Mexico and Texas. His roots, however, are local. He was born in Victoria and his family moved to Summerland when he was 11 years old.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Music at UBC in 1986 concentrating on classical guitar, applied voice, composition and general music. He sang with the University Singers under the direction of James Fankhauser, where his love of choral music blossomed.
He holds a Masters degree in Choral Conducting from New Mexico State University.Tom spent many years teaching music in the southern states, and currently works for School District #53. He is the director of music at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and teaches voice and guitar privately at the Academy of Music in Penticton. He is also an accomplished piano technician and tunes pianos throughout the south Okanagan.
In his tenure as a choral conductor, Tom has directed Masterworks concerts, as well as sung soloist for Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana”, performed by his high school choir and a 46 piece orchestra. His choirs, both in New Mexico and Texas, were some of the best in the state, earning many awards from various festivals and contests.
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| St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Choir
Since September 2007, Tom is the director of music for St. Andrew's. The services are embellished by his expertise and talent. As well as Sunday services, the church has a variety of events throughout the year including the Christmas Program, The Walk to Bethlehem and others. If you are interested in joining the choir or anything else please contact me or Rev. Colin Cross at (250) 492-8304.
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