It's time to break their silence

Men and boys choir tours province after four tour-less years

Halifax-based choir Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir is hitting the road and all the right notes — coming to a town near you.

Founded in 2010 by artistic director Nick Halley, the choir has garnered much acclaim for its uplifting performances, highlighting the strength of young voices accompanied by seasoned singers. Performing radiant interpretations of classic choral works, both sacred and secular, the choir builds upon the best aspects of the centuries-old European tradition of men and boys church choirs — revitalizing a method of music training that has become a rarity in Canada.

“The reason I didn’t simply start a boys choir was the mentorship component of how inspiring it is for young boys to hear and see, slightly older to much older, men singing, making a great sound and able to be able to read and sing great music of the last 1,000 years,” says Halley.

During the past 12 years, Capella Regalis’ profile has increased with the release of three CDS and invitations to perform at venues across the country. Seeing demand grow, the once concert choir has evolved to regularly singing church services in addition to a hefty concert schedule.

While the choir has existed for more than a decade, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the group of singers to halt touring, with the last tour in 2018 to Prince Edward Island. After being silent for so long, they’re ready to make a joyful noise with an upcoming tour

beginning tomorrow.

Presented by Musique Royale, the six-day concert tour begins on May 19 and includes stops in Windsor, New Glasgow, Antigonish, Annapolis Royal, Liverpool and Mahone Bay (in that order), with all shows beginning at 7 p.m.

The concert experience begins with the sacred repertoire Capella Regalis has been practicing and singing throughout the year, including a 1,000-year-old Gregorian chant, progressing to 21stcentury works.

“A narrative, in the first half, is travelling throughout time and geographical space in that we sing in a few different languages,” says Halley. “This sacred repertoire goes back to the ancients, but all over Europe.”

The following portion of the concert sees the choir deliver performances of works from various folk traditions, incorporating drums, piano and organ.

“In the second half, we carry on travelling around the world with a bit more of a folk music angle,” says Halley. “But it’s all brought together with this unifying element: human voices singing music that human voices have sung for centuries.”

Repertoire highlights on tour include How Can I Keep from Singing (American traditional), Away from the Roll of the Sea by Allister Macgilvray, They That Go Down to the

Sea in Ships by Herbert Sumsion, Oh Where Shall Wisdom Be Found by William Boyce and Freedom Trilogy by Paul Halley.

Yes, Halley’s father is also involved as an accompanist. With the choir’s strong emphasis on mentorship, it’s fitting that Halley and his father — long-time collaborators — are working together to bring the concert to life.

“Because of my experience working with him, I can extrapolate an enormous amount of musical information,” says Halley. “There’s a kind of ESP element to working with my dad that singers tell me is remarkable.”

Accompanied by 25 singers, Halley is also excited to give the choir an experience they won’t soon forget, noting a few young members are new to touring.

“They get excited about the performing,” says Halley. “There is nothing like having that direct visual connection between yourself as a performer and the audience members sitting right there.”

Of course, there’s going to be a lot of fun too.

“Just driving around in vans together — it’s a real moment of camaraderie,” says Halley. “When you’re a kid, six days on the road can feel like you’ve been out there for months together with your buddies, having the time of your life.”

After years of uncertainty, choir members are ready to extend their jovial vibes to audiences, young and old, uplifting spirits across the region — something everyone can use.

“These concerts are for everyone, regardless of your background, interest in choral music; whether you like acoustic music, old/new music,” says Halley. “Regardless of who you are, this concert is for you. If you leave the concert confident it was not for you, I’ll buy you a beer.”

With the tour’s first notes to be heard in just a day, Halley wants the spring concert to bring all in attendance a zest for life.

“I’m hoping that people exit the concert with a sense of hope for the future and a sense of grandeur and glory of life,” adds Halley. “Whenever we see a great concert, it reminds us that there is hope for the future; especially at times when people are struggling to find those little glimmers of hope.”

Meanwhile, Halley is excited for audiences to witness hope in the form of the youth on tour — allowing the choir’s younger members to spread inspiration and optimism throughout the province.

“There’s something about seeing young people singing their hearts out to high-quality music and seeing that it’s possible for a young person to learn rather difficult repertoire and then sing it in such a way that it communicates directly to the listener,” says Halley. “I think that installs hope — it does for me.”

To learn more about Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir/ ticket info, visit: https://capellaregalis.com.