The Gimli-based Westshore Singers choir has enhanced its harmonic prowess with a number of new recruits and is kicking off its 2025 performance season with upbeat concerts in Arborg and Gimli.
Ashley Tupper, who sits on Westshore’s board of directors as events and social media coordinator, said the choir attracted seven new Interlakers to its ranks this spring.
“This spring session we have a total of 44 members from the Interlake area. The ages of the choir range from 16 to late 80s, all with the common goal of enjoying and sharing music,” said Tupper. “We welcome new members and are excited that we had seven new people sign up this spring.”
The choir includes additional members who are away in spring but will be re-joining the choir for its winter season.
Westshore’s upcoming mid-June performances feature 12 songs arranged with four-part harmonies [typically soprano, alto, tenor and bass], and will celebrate joy, compassion and connection that music can bring to a fractured world and hopefully compel people to make it a better place.
“Our world seems to be in a sad condition these days, with hatred, judgment and prejudice growing around us. I think music can help us bring joy, love, compassion, and sheer fun back to our world,” said Westshore’s music director Karen Lamb.
Some of the songs the choir will be performing are Blackbird, Red River Valley, Can we Sing the Darkness to Light? and Music Lead the Way, the spring concert’s title piece.
Choir member Adalynn Tupper will be a special guest singer for the two upcoming Gimli performances. Tupper earned first place in the junior popular/contemporary category at the Associated Manitoba Arts Festivals in Brandon on May 25. She also earned second place in the musical theatre category on May 23.
Westshore Singers generously supports non-profit community organizations with proceeds donated from its 2025 ticket sales. In the fall, choir members will nominate and vote for local organizations.
“In 2024 we donated a total of $2,100 to community groups, said Lamb.
The choir will be celebrating 25 years of creativity and longevity next fall with a special concert.
“We have plans to celebrate the 25th anniversary with a special concert and event in the fall of 2026,” said Lamb.
Pianist Ginny Parent has been Westshore’s accompanist since 2001 when the choir was formed.
Westshore will be holding three performances in mid-June: one at the Arborg Lutheran Church on Sat., June 14 at 3 p.m., and two at the Gimli Lutheran Church on Sunday, June 15 at 2 p.m. and on Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and available at HP Tergesen & Sons general store in Gimli, at Arborg Nic Nacs, by reservation by calling (204) 641-5911 or from any choir member. Kids under 12 get in free with an adult. There are limited tickets at the door.
