Swift Current Oratorio Choir celebrated 50 years April 23

Members of the Swift Current Oratorio choir perform during their 50th anniversary concert, April 23.

The Swift Current Oratorio Choir celebrated five decades of bringing inspiring choral music to southwest Saskatchewan with a 50th anniversary concert at the Zion Mennonite Church, April 23. The concert program for 50 Years of Song featured favourite works performed over the years, including three choruses from Handel’s Messiah.

The program included video greetings from Saskatchewan Choral Federation Executive Director Sheryl Neher and a slide show of choir highlights from the past 50 years. There was also a conversation between current choral director Marcia McLean and the choir’s only other choral director John Poettcker, who started the group in 1973.

The choir has received many accolades over the years and has been recognized by the Canada Council as a “unique high-quality choral group.” Seven choir members have received the Saskatchewan Choral Federation’s Golden Note award. Two of them are current choir members and two were present in the audience.