Campbell River Singers

Singers

In the days when life was much simpler, and Campbell River was just a damp, rainy, small town, a community choir was born. Kay Goodrich, the first conductor put an ad in the newpaper in the spring of 1978 and the choir was formed. As they prepared for their first concert at the Old Anglican Church Hall they needed a name. They decided to call themselves the "Campbell River Singers" just

until someone could think of a better name. This name has been used for the past 35 years. In 1979 Jo-Anne Nowell (Preston) became the conductor. Although there were only 8 members in September, by Christmas the choir had grown to 20. In 1984, Frances Keen , who had been accompianist for the choir became the new conductor. In 1986 the excitement was the opening of Expo 86. Choral Federation, 20 members of the C.R. Singers sang at the opening ceremonies, complete with a great view of Charles and Diana and free passes to the pavillions for the rest of the day. October 1987 saw the opening of the Tidemark Theatre. In December, a landmark performance of Vivaldi's "Gloria" accompanied by the Comox Valley Chamber Orchestra was mounted along with soloists Karin Ostar, Barbara Livingston and Barbara Prowse. Other conductors have been Barbara Prowse and Jennifer Riley. In September 2002, John Montgomery became the artistic director of Campbell River Singers. The choir has grown to about 55 members. Under John's direction we have performed Handel's "Messiah" with Quadra Singers many times. With over 100 singers it has been a powerful performance. This past spring, 2013, we were the opening act for "The Nylons" at the Tidemark Theatre which the singers enjoyed immensely