The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is hosting a new exhibit that celebrates the rich heritage of local vocal ensembles.
Giving Voice: Vocal Ensembles in Waterloo is a new multimedia exhibit that opens at the museum on Saturday, February 25.
Originally inspired by the 100th anniversary of the Grand Philharmonic Choir, Giving Voice celebrates the heritage of local vocal ensembles, their diversity, the communities they inspire, and the power of music across generations.
“Art and learning are powerful ways to build community,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo, “The Giving Voice exhibit is a wonderful example of how our Regional museums can amplify the experiences and voices of our talented residents."
This timely exhibition is a testament to the power of music and voice – and pays homage to both the formal and informal organizations across the Region who work to gather people looking to express themselves through the power of their own voices. It features a collection of images, artifacts and videos from organizations around the region.
Some new, some old, some current and some retired, these organizations include the Grand Philharmonic Choir, Grand Philharmonic Youth Choir, Waterloo Region Mass Choir, Centre in the Square, Menno Singers, DaCapo Chamber Choir, Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir, Grand Harmony Chorus, Waterloo Regional Police Chorus, Schneider Male Chorus and Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak.
“Giving Voice is a unique and wonderful touchpoint for members of the community who express themselves or create connections through music and singing,” said Julian Kingston, Manager, Region of Waterloo Museums. “Creating music together inspires us, aligns us, connects us across generations and cultures – it’s a fundamental part of being human. One of the most accessible and personal expressions of music is to sing.”
For people in Waterloo region, ensemble singing is also a way to connect with our remarkable creative heritage. The exhibition features historical objects, photographs, art and a listening library. The museum invites all to explore the music that has shaped our community.
Join members of the museum team for an informal celebration to open Giving Voice: Vocal Ensembles in Waterloo Region.
What:
Giving Voice: Vocal Ensembles in Waterloo Region exhibition celebration
When: Saturday, February 25
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Opening remarks
11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interactive vocal activities including a performance by the Grand Harmony Chorus are included with admission
Who:
Karen Redman – Chair, Region of Waterloo
Mark Vuorinen – Artistic Director, Grand Philharmonic Choir
Julian Kingston – Host and Manager, Region of Waterloo Museums
Where: Foyer - Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener ON
Parking: Free available onsite
Giving Voice: Vocal Ensembles in Waterloo Region opens at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum on February 25, 2023 and runs through next January.
To learn more, visit regionofwaterloomuseums.ca/voice.
