Forest Heights Community Association choir to put on its first concert
Well-known local conductor Alfred Kunz leads a practice of the new Forest Heights Community Association Mixed Choir. Forest Heights is the only community association in Kitchener offering a choir as one of its programs.
For News Tips & Advertising call...
Kitchener East - 519-578-8228
Kitchener West - 519-394-0335
by Helen HallKitchener Citizen
November 5, 2015
Well-known local conductor Alfred Kunz is “positively thrilled” with how his new choir has developed.
In just two months, he has seen this group with a wide variety of vocal experience progress to where it is ready to perform its first concert called We are One (in music and song) on November 29.
Over 50 singers signed up when Forest Heights Community Association (FHCA) announced it would form a choir this fall.
“It is the ultimate compliment when you see people learning about music and enjoying singing. Choral
conducting and composing is my love,” Kunz said.
“This is an extension of what I have done in the past.”
For 35 years, Kunz conducted the Millennium Choir. At 86 years old, he retired from that choir in the spring. About 900 people attended his final concert with the group.
FHCA program manager Deanne MacIntosh had been conducted by Kunz in the past, and when he retired she invited him to work with a smaller community group through FHCA.
“I saw a need for an adult mixed music program in our area and realized that our association would be the first to introduce this,” she said.
“I am so proud how our choir is taking shape. I am pleased with how a small community has formed and we are producing some great sound.”
Choir member Mary Mulhern has sung in the past at school and in her church choir.
After becoming an “empty nester” she had more time on her hands to devote to singing.
She said the group is “very inclusive.” It has all ages, from teenagers to seniors, and people with various degrees of musical knowledge.
She said she is just learning to read music with the assistance of Kunz and his wife Dana.
She described Kunz as “passionate about music” and a teacher and conductor who is “firm on the rules, but always of good humour.”
“It’s a lovely thing to have in the community,” she said.
FHCA president Jerry Corriveau said the association has been very pleased with the response to the program.
“It’s been kind of overwhelming,” he said. “With over 50 people registering to take part, the number was far larger than I thought it would be.”
He said the choir will be again offered as a winter program with the FHCA.
* * *
We are One (in music and song)
Sunday, November 29, 2015 – 7:00pm
Westheights Community Church
82 Westheights Dr., Kitchener, ON
Free Admission (Donations accepted)
Artistic Director/Conductor – Dr. Alfred Kunz
Concert Pianist – Krystyna Higgins
Double Bass – Art Lang
Drummer – David Klassen
Evening includes Christmas and Secular Music, Audience Carol Sing-a-long, Vocal Solos
Register early, limited seating
Registration options:
Online at http://www.fhcakitchener.ca/ or at the
Forest Height Community Centre or phone 519-741-2621
Concert code is 194243