The Cochrane Music Society invites the community to their Winter Celebration, an evening of music by their three ensembles at the Bow Valley Baptist Church on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.

The Band on the Bow, Riverside Jazz, and Choral Waves will be performing a wide selection of music, including some inspired by the season's spirit.

"We've got some music that is brand new that was just published and composed this summer," says band director Adam Mailman, "and we've got some music that is really old and classic, like some old English folk songs from Vaughan Williams, and, of course, "Sleigh Ride" from Leroy Anderson."

The Band on the Bow will be premiering "A Thousand Inner Voices," a new composition by Matt Campbell.

Campbell composed the piece in support of the association "And We Were Heard", which is devoted to having the music heard and performed by composers from under-represented nationalities and orientations.

The repertoire of the Choral Waves includes the popular "Christmas Lullaby'' by John Rutter, a joyful and energetic arrangement of the classic "Ukrainian Bell Carol" featuring "four hands" accompaniment, explains Jane Kaczmer, of the music society. They offer a bold new treatment of 'What Child Is This" performed a cappella with body percussion and a blending of "Angels We Have Heard on High" with the contemporary classic "Christmastime" by Michael W. Smith".

They will complete their performance with "Goin' to Bethlehem", an original composition performed as a traditional spiritual, and "There Is Faint Music", a gorgeous and poetic setting of Mary singing a lullaby to her newborn baby.

Riverside Jazz is welcoming vocalist LeeAnn Davis DeCoteau to sing Johnny Burke’s "Imagination" and "How Sweet it is to be Loved by You", along with some killer arrangements of the Beatle's “Blackbird”, and Earth, Wind and Fire's “Fantasy”. Ellen Rowe's “Spirit Song” and Erik Morales' “Alianza” complete their set.

Advance tickets are available here or at the door. People are also welcome to bring a nonperishable food donation.

Right now, the music society has a 50/50 raffle underway and the winning ticket will be drawn on the day of the concert. Proceeds will be used to help commission an original piece by an Alberta composer.

Purchasing music rights and commissioning new works isn't new to the Cochrane Music Society. Among the works supported was Vision, a four-movement composition by Andrew Ball, inspired by his vivid memories of growing up in Cochrane. It premiered at the music society's 20th anniversary celebration in May 2019.

"We're currently looking at having a local composer prepare something for our spring concert for our jazz band," says Mailman.

Since 1999, the music society has provided an opportunity for musicians and vocalists to nurture their passion for music and, to the delight of residents, have performed regularly. Through COVID they were determined to bring music to the community and practiced remotely with only one collective practice to present outdoor concerts.

The door is always open for more members. It's an inclusive, fun-loving group.

Mailman says whether you currently or formerly played or sang, you're welcome to reach out.

In January, they start preparing new music for their next performance, making this an ideal time to join. You can learn more here. 

Winter celebration