It’s been 3 weeks since we held our first annual benefit show, and I’m still humming and singing the songs performed by our KPMG Canada and Chubb Insurance choirs with Devin Cuddy and Harrow Fair (Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner). It was really exciting to see our planning and vision come together! It confirmed to Murray and I that we have a great service to provide both Canadian companies and Canadian artists. Importantly, we raised over $2,000 for our three great charities: Momentum Choir, MusiCounts and Unison Fund.
Some of the personal highlights for me included seeing the members of KPMG, Chubb and Momentum warming up together with our music directors Alex Samaras and Robbie Grunwald. They were all having a great time together, and that continued through our finale, “Hey Jude”, which was a special moment for everyone in the room. It was equally exciting to get to see two of our artists from our roster captivate the room – you should plan on seeing both Devin and Harrow Fair any time you can!
Devin Cuddy
We have begun to post photos of the night and we have some video shot by some of our attendees slowly trickling into our Facebook page. We will be able to post the final video of the night in the next few weeks, so please stay tuned!
Below we have a collection of quotes from choir members, our music directors, members of Momentum Choir and our artists reflecting on the night that was:
Mendelt Hoekstra, Executive Director at Momentum Choir
It was a very meaningful experience to perform at Choir Nation’s first annual benefit show. Momentum Choir is proud to partner with Choir Nation as we have a similar mission – providing an opportunity for people to sing in a professional setting. Choir Nation’s staff were respectful, professional and exceptionally fun. We are very pleased to be affiliated with Choir Nation.
Shabnam Ahmad, KPMG Choir Member
I had an absolutely wonderful time being a part of Choir Nation. I have always loved to sing and haven’t been part of a choir in years, so this was the perfect opportunity for me! I got to work with such passionate musicians and made some great friends along the way. Can’t wait to do this all over again! A huge thanks to Todd & Murray for all their hard work and for bringing Choir Nation to life!
Alex Samaras, Music Director at Choir Nation
What a thrill to see first-time performers rock the stage! Everyone was nervous before the show but the minute they started singing a confidence came over each of them and they realized that all they had to do was trust one another and listen deeply. After we finished the choir was riding that type of high that you can only get from performing live. It was so much fun. Great job everyone!
Miranda Mulholland and Andrew Penner, Harrow Fair, performing at the Choir Nation Inaugural Benefit Concert
Miranda Mulholland, Musician
Scientifically, they say singing boosts endorphins and makes you feel happier but there’s something so magical about singing with other people that not only transports the singers but the audience as well.
A big thank you to everyone who helped make the night happen – Jenn Sookdeo, Mary Krause, Jenn Green, Alex and Robbie, our volunteers, our corporate sponsors (too many to list!), Katey Gatta for her opening set, Lula Lounge, Momentum Choir for travelling from Niagara, and especially for KPMG Canada and Chubb Insurance Canada for stepping up to the plate!