The Peterborough Singers Re-Imagine 2020-21 Season Due To Pandemic

What does a choir do when it can’t be a 100-voice performing choir during a pandmemic? Well the Peterborough Singers answer this question by re-inventing the 2020-21 season.

Instead of typical concert offerings, the choir is focusing the combined energy and imagination of its members and its conductor, Syd Birrell (pictured below), on a “bridge year” in order to safely traverse the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Photo by Jason Ryan

Choir members will come together in small groups (observing all COVID-19 safety protocols) to sing a variety of repertoire, from madrigals and Broadway to opera choruses and music of the Renaissance.

Some of these sessions may find a digital home for audience enjoyment, but the primary consideration is the emotional wellbeing of choir members—well that and ensuring the 27-year history of the Peterborough Singers continues in future.

Cancelling a concert season is not a decision taken lightly. In the past four months, the choir held Zoom rehearsals and created virtual performances, such as their stirring rendition of the Tragically Hip’s “Bobcaygeon”…

The Peterborough Singers were proud to be part of the Bobcaygeon (By the Tragically Hip) sing along in support of Bobcaygeon, Ontario and The Pinecrest Nursi...

During this time, it became clear that rather than risk disappointing both choir and audience members by announcing a typical concert season—only to face likely cancellations—a fresh approach was needed.

They will put all our energy and imagination into what they are calling a Bridge Year. This fall, their focus will be the emotional well-being of choir members. Social-distancing protocols permitting, the choir will meet in small groups in diverse locations to perform.

For now though, the Peterborough Singers brings you a virtual recording made by members of the choir, one that speaks to the challenge and rewards that lie ahead.

Indeed, their just-released version of “Bridge Over Trouble Waters” is so appropriate to the times…

Choirs all around the world have been forced to stop doing what they love due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We created this virtual choir video to remind us and ...

To learn more about the Peterborough Singers, click here.

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