With Yule Duel fast approaching, much like the mercurial spirit of Christmas, it’s time to get know some of our effervescent choirs as they ready themselves to kick some serious musical butt in the biggest, and only outdoor carolling competition in BC.
This December 6th from 6pm-9pm, most of Gastown will be car free as the streets fill with musical performances by over 15 awesome choirs (every choir brings their own unique holiday repertoire to the comp), Emmy award winning Dutch Robinson, The Marcus Mosely Chorale and the always eccentric Carnival Band. Yule Duel is fun, free and perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
It’s Carolling for a Cause, so come on down and celebrate Christmas in Gastown while helping to support May’s Place, a worthwhile local charity.
Simon Isherwood – The Notre Dame Platinum Girls and Iron Men
What got you into choral singing?
I have a very musical family. My mother is a music teacher , my dad is a civil engineer who directs choirs, sings, and acts in musicals. My older sister conducts choirs in France, my brother writes music in Germany, and my little sister conducts award winning Children’s Choirs in Oakville, Ontario. I was fortunate enough to tour the world singing in different choirs, finally settling in Vancouver after my third tour here with “The Elmer Isler Singers”.
How did the group come up with the name?
We are a show choir and show choirs always have interesting names. Platinum Girls refers to the top girls in our program and with the men, we actually do have an IronMan as his last name Ferronato means “Born of Iron.”
What brought you into Yule Duel?
We were contacted by Yule Duel as they saw our Christmas Show Choir routine and knew we would be a fit. They were VERY right!
What is the musical style of the repertoire?
Show Choir/ Musical Theatre with a dash of classical concert choir.
What do you think are your odds are of winning?
We have been very fortunate to win in the past and would love to be up on the stage at the end of the night entertaining the crowd.
Are you going to have a unique spin this year to give you an edge?
We have a whole new medley that takes us into new territory… Beach Boys, Calypso, and Elvis!
Who’s your biggest competition?
The entire street is imbibed with the Christmas Spirit! Competition abounds!
What are you listening to right now?
I have very eclectic tastes. Every thing from Handel’s Messiah to the 80’s!!
Where can people see The Iron Men and Platinum Girls perform outside of Yule Duel?
Katy Cadman – MomChoir
What got you into choral singing?
I have always been a choral singer. I sang in youth choirs and school choirs before singing with my local a cappella group, Sweet Scarlet. I created MomChoir this year as a way to encourage choral singing amongst my peers and to build community through singing and performing.
How did the group come up with the name?
MomChoir is called MomChoir because it is a group of moms who are…wait for it…a choir! I thought the name would help identify what type of group we are!
What brought you into Yule Duel?
Yule Duel is a great opportunity to perform, spread holiday cheer and all for an amazing cause. MomChoir is passionate about building community and giving back.
What is the musical style of the repertoire?
MomChoir learns and performs a variety of music types but at Yule Duel expect to hear some fun holiday music that will be sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
What do you think are your odds are of winning?
I have no idea! We’re just excited to be a part of the event, to sing, and to raise money and awareness for May’s Place. If we make it to the main stage for a sing-off, that’s a bonus!
Are you going to have a unique spin this year to give you an edge?
We won’t have any gimmicks or particular elements to give us an edge but what we do bring to the table (or stage!) is our enthusiasm for singing and our PINK TOQUES…of course!
Who’s your biggest competition?
We aren’t sure who our biggest competition is as there are so many incredible groups performing. We can’t wait to hear them!
What are you listening to right now?
Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Christmas music as I direct two groups and sing in a performance group myself so it has been all Christmas music, all the time for a while now!
