The swallows return to Capistrano, the turkey buzzards to Lakeside and now, so too doLos Cantantes del Lago to perform at Christmas.
The only thing constant is change – and Los Cantantes del Lago is no exception. The choir has been a Lakeside institution for 24 years and has been through many changes over those years but – along with the rest of the world – has experienced more than usual over the past 18 months.
Even before the pandemic hit, Music Director Timothy Welch had talked to the Los Cantantes’ board about implementing changes.
After directing the choir for 19 years, Welch wanted to create a smaller, more blended choir that was ready for a challenge. So, with the restrictions easing, auditions were announced. Choristers from over the years were invited to bring an audition piece, plus sight read music and sing their voice part from one of the pieces that had been selected for the Christmas concert. Singers, new and old, came to do their thing and 21 choristers were selected.
In an act of total faith, rehearsals had been scheduled for the following week. There were some familiar and new faces, as well as some old ones not seen for a while! Old, young and, as always, a mix of different nationalities (and accents) were all a part of the now compact group.
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