After the Applause: Carrying Our 50‑Year Legacy into the Future

“So, I say thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing Thanks for all the joy they're bringing Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty What would life be? Without a song or a dance, what are we? So, I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me ~Songwriters: Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus The lyrics of “Thank you for the Music”, by ABBA continue to resonate deeply with the members of The Bel Canto Chorus. This oldies tune continues to encapsulate the choir’s shared experience and joy of choral singing. Looking back on our 50th anniversary year, we are most thankful for the music itself — for the joy of rehearsing together, for sharing our concerts and outreach events, and for the privilege of bringing choral music to our community. Thank you for the music, and for your steadfast support of The Bel Canto Chorus. Our anniversary year opened with the unveiling of a beautiful new banner, lovingly designed by soprano Erin Sherman, which will continue to brighten our concerts and community events.

This season, we were privileged to welcome back former conductors Marion Harvey, Pamela Teed, and Don Weir, together with our long-time collaborative pianist, Suzanne Roy Wilson, as we celebrated both our Christmas and Spring concerts.

We also had the joy of honouring three extraordinary 50-year members — Lynda Todd, Forbes Stoodley, and Nora O’Neill. Their voices, their presence, and their unwavering love of choral singing have enriched The Bel Canto Chorus for half a century. We celebrate them with full hearts. In November 2025, we welcomed singers from across the region to a master class workshop that truly embodied the spirit of shared music-making. Participants travelled from Elliot Lake, Espanola, and Barrie, and we were joined by members of Les Troubadours, Sudbury Chamber Singers, Nickel City Sound, and many church choirs. Under the guidance of Pamela Teed, Susan Urquhart, Marion Harvey, Dr. Charlene Biggs, and Damien Laframboise, voices were strengthened, confidence grew, and the joy of singing filled the room.

Our Spring Concerts on April 30 and May 1 were a celebration of favourites chosen by our own members — a musical journey that moved from classical to contemporary, from Mozart’s brilliance to Mercury’s boldness. We are happy to report we sold-out both concerts. Then, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, we gathered for a sold-out gala concert that brought our anniversary year to a triumphant close. With the leadership of Music Director Susan Urquhart and the artistry of Dr. Charlene Biggs, we honoured the magic of Broadway. We were joined by local Piper Sean Prechotko and the incomparable tenor Joey Niceforo, whose gracious spirit and extraordinary voice made the afternoon shine.

After the final applause, we celebrated with cake — a sweet moment shared among friends and fellow music-lovers.

From all of us at The Bel Canto Chorus, our heartfelt thanks. Your support — whether through social media, in the audience, or in spirit — means more than you know. The smiles and warmth we see as we perform stay with us long after the final note. We are deeply grateful for the music, for the leadership that inspires us, and for the strong sense of community our members create together.

Prepared by the Bel Canto 50th Anniversary team: Christie, Nora, Al, JP, Heather, Carol, Perry, Christine and Catherine