On Saturday 2nd December, the University choirs performed a seasonal concert in St. George's Anglican Church. This program was slightly different. It contained a number of pieces celebrating peace and hope. There was an eclectic mixture of pieces from composers known for their pacifist stances, from composers speaking out against violence and from composers speaking about peace. The impact of the works and the strength and commitment to the indomitable spirit of the human race was deeply moving.

But, for me, there was another reason why the event was so moving. To realize how far the choirs at Guelph have progressed, to listen to their sense of harmony with the pieces and with the choirs’ conductor, Dr. Marta McCarthy, was an absolute joy.

The evening was completed by a student chorister who passed me by as she left the church “that woman is a marvel” she said in wonder. She’s right. The choirs of the University of Guelph are very fortunate to have such inspirational commitment from Dr. McCarthy.