Centre Wellington Singers celebrate 30 years with all-Canadian spring concert

FERGUS – Come out and help celebrate Centre Wellington Singers’ 30th anniversary, officials invite.

This spring’s program showcases beloved songs by iconic Canadian artists such as Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen, alongside treasured traditional favourites including Un Canadien Errant, I’se the By, The Good Old Hockey Game and more.

The choir is delighted to welcome special guest Ben Wright (of The Barrel Boys) and friends, who will bring their soulful Canadian folk sound to Fergus. Founding director Carol McFadden will also return to the stage for this milestone celebration. 

And of course, no Centre Wellington Singers concert would be complete without a few rousing audience sing-alongs, officials say.

“We’re thrilled that our humble choir is still going strong 30 years on,” says choir president Lillian Gohn. 

“What better way to celebrate than with an all-Canadian repertoire – something we’ve never done before.”

Founded in September 1996, the choir began when about 25 musically inclined community members – two of whom are still singing today – answered the call of Elora organist and music teacher Carol McFadden, who envisioned a community-based choir. 

From those simple beginnings, the ensemble has flourished under six directors: Carol McFadden, Kevin Bieman, Louise Elder, Emily Petrenko, Jurgen Petrenko, and current director Melanie Steenburgh. 

Today, between 50 and 70 singers gather each week to share in the fellowship and joy of singing together.

The concert takes place April 25 at 3pm at Melville United Church, 300 Saint Andrew St. W., Fergus. 

After the performance, audience members are invited to stay for tea and treats in the church’s fellowship hall and mingle with the musicians.

It promises to be a magical musical afternoon – and with the choir’s last concert selling out, early ticket purchases are strongly recommended, officials say.

Follow CWS on Facebook and Instagram @centrewellingtonsingers.

Visit centrewellingtonsingers.ca for tickets or more information.