It was inevitable!

Change?  Hmmmm.....

What an exciting time for Gerald and Marlene - after years (well, if you think 65 years counts as enough time - note the sarcasm) of wonderful music making, this team has formally announced that they will both retire at the end of this concert season!

This doesn't mean the end of The Gerald Fagan Singers ... it just means that it will take a turn in its road, with a new Artistic Director and General Manager!

Change is good - but with change comes melancholy - because what we leave behind is a part of ourselves.  I, for one, will miss them!

Do you think Spring is REALLY here?

If one is to believe a furry creature who hails from some small town in Ontario, spring was to have crossed the frigid winter finish line almost two weeks ago.....but alas, he was wrong! 

Spring is the season of rebirth, renewal, regrowth, and all things that probably start with "re".... It is also the wonderful month where we celebrate Easter - not the hopping-down-the-pathway-bunny-kind of Easter, but the kind of Easter in the Christian faith that celebrates the rebirth of Christ.

For the Fagan Singers, the Concert Players Orchestra and Fanshawe Chorus London, it also is a time of reflection when we traditionally perform, on Good Friday, a moving Requiem to remember those who have touched our hearts and souls and who are no longer with us in body.  This year is no different. 

We will gather with four wonderful soloists, on Good Friday where the choirs and orchestra will  perform the most beautiful and moving Agnus Dei by Barber,  followed by Verdi's Requiem.  Although these masterpieces don't perhaps feel like the obvious choices to usher in the new season, I can guarantee that after weeks of rehearsal, and preparation, and the seemily longest winter I can ever remember, that to me and many members of the organization, when the curtain goes down at the end of the night, we will be able to emphatically state that Spring is definitely here!

The Order of Ontario

Surrounded by his family, Gerald Fagan was honoured and inducted into the Order of Ontario.  The appointees to Ontario's highest honour were chosen for their contributions to the arts, justice, science, medicine, history, politics, philanthropy, and the environment.

It was an event that Gerald shared with his wife and partner of almost 50 years, Marlene, and four of his five children; Leslie, Louise, Judy, and Jennifer. Definitely a proud moment for all of the family, and it only would have been better if the youngest of the five Fagan's, Jonathon, had been able to travel from abroad to join in the family pride.

Although the award was presented to Gerald, it must be noted that the support, partnership, and musical genious of Marlene, makes this award a shared and deserved honour. 

No one was prouder of Gerald that day, than Marlene and the bevy of beauties that surrounded him.  This is a moment in our lives that will not be forgotten very quickly and personally, I am grateful for the experience.  Congratulations Dad!  xo

Sharing in the proud moment are Louise, Leslie, Marlene, (Gerald), Jennifer, and Judy

Spring is Springing??

An update....

The beginning of Christmas this past December was marked with the annual Messiah "concert" held at St. Peter's Basilica in London.  "Concert"?  Well...yes! However, for some, the annual Messiah is more than a concert - it marks the beginning of one of the holiest seasons of the year.  Sitting inside the splendour of St. Peter's, the concert realizes the true meaning of Christmas for many. 

And as always, the Fagan Singers, joined by a handful of talented members of Chorus London, did not disappoint!  Each year, I personally leave the concert, thinking that this year was much better than last - and honestly, look forward to the following year.

Christmas is on the way - like it or not!

Well, there is no snow as of this writing, however, definitely cold has settled over Southwestern Ontario.  Luckily it hasn't dampened the Fagan Singers enthusiasm for the next concert - Christmas in Canada!

The beautiful chapel at Winderemere on the Mount, which is affectionately known as "home" to the Singers, is once again the location for this annual concert of song and spoken word. 

Special thanks goes to Ellison Travel and Tours and Windermere on the Mount as corporate sponsors for this event!  We all look forward to seeing you there.

Get your Popcorn...Peanuts....oops.... I mean CDs!!!

November 6th, 2010 is definitely a day (actually evening) not to be missed!  Where else could you possibly want to be, if you aren't at Centennial Hall ?  Not only will you be thrilled with the delicious sounds of Fanshawe Chorus London and the Gerald Fagan Singers, but you will be equally exhilerated with Leslie Fagan's stratospheric voice, as she sings the Soprano solo in Poulenc's Gloria, and teases the audience with a small selection from the Mozart. (one of the CD's in the set)

The BEST part of the night?  You will be able to purchase a three CD box set for just $30.....I know my math, and at $10/CD, I don't think there is a better and more economical Christmas present out there for your friends and family.

For tickets or more information, contact the Fanshawe Chorus Box office at 519-433-9650 or check out the web page!

...updating...

It has been a busy few weeks .... singing a Bach's 79th Cantata with the South Huron Community Choir was a highlight, during the Annual Exeter Community Thanksgiving Event.  (Sorry, I don't have any pictures...yet)

Currently,  we continue to rehearse for our next runout concert on October 17th in London at Trinity United Church on Hale Street in London.  This does promise to be a fantastic afternoon of wonderful music where you will hear everything from Bach to some of our favourite Cabaret classics.

Of course, November 6th will be the launch of our much worked on Compact Disc set!  We actually got to hear an exciting snippet of the disc last Wednesday - and I am thrilled to say that I will be one of the first in line to get my copy!  Stand back!