Bittersweet Celebration

In a bittersweet celebration, the Vivo Children’s Choir is gearing up for both a reunion gathering and a Christmas concert, inviting former choir members and their families to join as the founders prepare for their final performance. This event, set to take place on December 7, marks the end of an era for the beloved New Westminster-based choir, which has touched the lives of countless children since its inception in 2002.

Founders and Their Legacy

Founded by talented musicians Carrie Taylor, Anne Wilson Unger, and Ingrid Verseveldt, the Vivo Children’s Choir was established to provide rich musical experiences for children in the community. Verseveldt retired two years ago, and now Taylor and Wilson Unger will take their final bow after leading the choir for over two decades.

Reunion Gathering

Alumni of the choir are invited to a special dress rehearsal on December 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church, where the choir has been rehearsing since the very beginning. This gathering will offer former members the opportunity to reconnect and share one last performance with the founders before the curtain closes.

Winter Concert and Celebration

The grand event, the Vivo Winter Concert and Celebration, will be held on December 7 at 3:30 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church. Featuring an alumni call time of 3 p.m. and doors opening at 3:15 p.m., this memorable concert will run until 4:30, followed by a reception. Wilson Unger urges all former members to attend, highlighting the importance of extending the invitation to as many alumni as possible.

Transition to New Leadership

Before passing the torch to the choir’s new artistic director, Melodie Langevin, taking over in January, the founders are eager to reconnect with those who have been part of the choir’s journey, alongside choir parents. Their hope is to engage alumni during the December 5 gathering, revisiting some cherished songs they will perform during the winter concert.

Foundational Motivations

Reflecting on their motivations, Wilson Unger explained, “We all had children, and we had nowhere locally for them to sing. So we thought, let’s start a choir.” This grassroots initiative quickly flourished, attracting hundreds of children over the years, alongside dedicated parent volunteers supporting the non-profit.

Community and Connection

The Vivo Children’s Choir hosts two major concerts each year—one during the Christmas season and another at the end of the school year—intentionally timing these events to avoid conflicts with other local activities, such as lacrosse season. “You want them to be part of the arts, but you also want them to keep active,” Wilson Unger stated.

Emotional Impact

This choir is not just about music; it’s about fostering a sense of community. As Wilson Unger emphasized, “Choirs are connecting. It's a community. It's a team.” Singing together provides an emotional experience that strengthens bonds among participants. For many children, being part of the choir was a formative aspect of their childhoods.

Final Thoughts

The coming concert is sure to be an emotional experience, not just for the founders who have dedicated years to this initiative, but also for the alumni and families who hold cherished memories of their time in the choir. “It'll be very emotional,” Wilson Unger acknowledged. “It’ll be hard to say goodbye to that many years and that many kids. It feels good to have done it, but it’ll be sad.”

Legacy of Music and Community

As the Vivo Children’s Choir prepares to take its final bow, the legacy of music and community it has built will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who have participated. Don’t miss the chance to celebrate this incredible journey and create lasting memories at the upcoming winter concert!