M u s i c i n the C o m m u n i t y Founded in 1992 with ten members, a start-up grant from Vancouver City Savings and a lot of optimism o f one day forming a symphony orchestra, the group now has 25 members in an age range of 19-82 and the continued support of its enthusiastic conductor. Anita Sleeman. Sleeman is an exmusic faculty member from Capilano College and a recognized Canadian Ambleside Orchestra in front of Gertrude Lawson House. Photo: Cindy Goodman, N o r t h Shore N e w s A J I nybody V Hilary Clark meets for the first time, she asks if they play the oboe. She's not obsessed with the instrument, she just needs an oboe player in the amateur orchestra she organizes and plays for, the Ambleside Orchestra. composer who does commissioned works. With the orchestra since its inception, she increases the difficulty of the works as they improve, she has even let them have a go at one o f her own works. The group is now at the point where they are volunteering for music engagements in the community. The most recent performance was at the invitation of the West Vancouver Memorial Library to play at the reception following the Remembrance Day service last November. The orchestra also inaugurated last June the Lemonade on the L a w n summer music series for the West Vancouver Museum and Archives. They will be the first in the Lemonade series this year, appearing June 5, 3:30 p.m. at the Gertrude Lawson House (free performance). They will also bring their sweet sound to the West Vancouver Seniors' Centre on M a y 26 at 2 p.m."? New members of every age are always welcome, says the group's contact person and founder, Hilary Clark-- especially an oboe player. Rehearsal time is 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the West Vancouver Seniors' Centre. Clark can be contacted at 926-3030. l _/audate (laho dah tah) means to praise, extol or celebrate. While often used in the context of encouraging praise to G o d , as in the Psalms, this Latin word equally reflects a desire to celebrate life, nature or love. It naturally follows that the word "laudate" Laudate Singers, conducted by Lars Kaario, 3rd from left, standing. Photo: Cindy Goodman. is the chosen name for a North Vancouver-based choral ensemble that sings in praise and celebration. Founded in 1995. the choir is composed of 12 men and 12 women who are experienced choral singers. While their repertoire includes both the sacred and secular, Laudate's desire to celebrate life through the medium of music is evident in its interpretations of choral music. Unique to this group is its c o m mitment to 20th-century music and, more specifically, new works by local composers. O n June 20. its concert. Canadian Content, w i l l focus on contemporary Canadian choral music. They will also present two brand-new pieces, commissions from B . C . composers. Laudate's singers also enjoy the music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Although the juxtaposition of early and contemporary music may appear unusual, in fact there are common threads that link these styles. Compositional practices found in early music are often used as the bases of contemporary pieces and. though the aural results of the styles differ markedly, the similarities provide an appealing congruence. The ensemble's members also celebrate and praise their director, Lars Kaario. whose enthusiasm, energy and love of all styles of music is contagious amongst the singers he moulds together. Kaario. a North Vancouver resident, was a member of both the Vancouver Cantata Singers and Vancouver Chamber Choir and the conductor for many award-winning Capilano College choirs.~~ Laudate's next concert is May 10 at St Catherine's Anglican Church in North Vancouver. For more information, call 222-3258.