Scene and Heard: Vashon Chorale returns to the stage

Vashon Island Chorale twice performed its “comeback concert,” onstage at the Kay L. White Hall, on April 9 and 10.

By Elizabeth Shepherd • April 13, 2022 1:30 am
(Rick Wallace Photo) Vashon Island Chorale took the stage again, after a two-year hiatus, last week.
(Rick Wallace Photo) Vashon Island Chorale took the stage again, after a two-year hiatus, last week.

And, they did it!

Vashon Island Chorale twice performed its “comeback concert,” onstage at the Kay L. White Hall, on April 9 and 10.

The title of the concert, “Never Abandon Song,” was derived from a phrase from composer Giselle Wyers’ songs, and the Chorale performed selections from Wyers and Bronwyn Edwards, both female composers local to the area.

The concert came after the Chorale’s two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Wyers and Edwards spoke at the performances, with Edwards speaking about “No Bridges,” and Wyers speaking about “And All Shall Be Well” with the Chorale’s artistic director, Dr. Gary D. Cannon, in a pre-concert lecture.

“We decided to bring back two large works that were written for us in the pre-COVID days,” said Cannon. “Bronwyn Edwards’ suite ‘No Bridges’ celebrates many aspects of Vashon culture. The central message of Giselle Wyers’ ‘And All Shall Be Well’ is the legacy that each of us leaves — an especially appropriate theme for these days.”

What’s next for the group? Travel! In May, 16 chorale members, including Cannon, will head to New York City to perform “And All Shall Be Well” at Carnegie Hall as part of a 75-member choir.

The last time the Chorale took the stage was back in December 2019, and Chorale members had hoped there would be a chance to perform sooner rather than later.

“There were several times we thought the ‘COVID retreat’ would allow us to sing again,” said Chorale President Jo Ann Bardeen. “Then Delta came, and then Omicron happened, and hopes were dashed more than several times.”

The group is smaller than it was in 2019 — at that time, the Chorale had 65 members and a youth choir. Now, it boasts 44 singers.

The Chorale continues to take extra safety measures, including wearing specially designed “singer’s masks,” which are triple-layered and allow for additional room for breathing while singing. Chorale members also sit farther apart from one another than usual.

“It has been a great pleasure to be together again,” said Bardeen.

For more information about the Vashon Island Chorale, visit vashonislandchorale.org.