Saturday afternoon June 17 saw the return to the stage of the Canadian Military Wives Choir Greenwood

. Their last public performance was held back in 2019, when I also had the privilege of being in the audience of their Spring concert at Saint Mark’s Chapel. After their very successful first year in operation in 2016 and the 2019 performance, the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to the group getting together until late last year.

Now, 34 members strong, with a well-organised committee, their new venture was programmed by a relative newcomer, Natasha Ching, an accomplished pianist who took well to her new role as music director in January this year; she told she had been bored during the absence on duty of her husband! Together with the talented accompanist Kristin Wood, they put together a varied and interesting musical programme consisting of 10 pieces, several involving very competent soloists.

Very smartly attired in black, with bright red scarves, the ladies of the choir were a well-balanced team covering a good vocal range – a great delight to listen to and enjoy. The singers were obviously enjoying their performances as much as we, the audience, were.

As well as their musical prowess, the choir members fundraise and, at the concert, boosted their income during half-time refreshment sales by donation. Many family members and friends were present in support and, from the number of children present, it is obvious many of the choir members are also very busy mums!

At the start of the programme, the group’s president, Isabelle Pitre, gave a brief explanation about the formation of Military Wives’ Choirs, started in the United Kingdom and very rapidly spread across that country and was then introduced here in Canada. Now there are many such groups across the provinces. They share information and, if I am correct, there have been Canadian Armed Forces-selected choirs who have performed to a very high level in Ottawa.

There is a lot more to benefit group membership, as their like-minded sistership can provide a special impact on their lives. With an opportunity to take part in a most rewarding hobby, not only of great value to the members but also to those they assist through their fundraising and performances, well done for this year’s lovely show: may there be many more concerts.