On Sunday, July 23rd at 7pm there will be a special “FREE” concert at South Abbotsford Church celebrating music from around the world where Mennonites have settled.
Concert organizer Calvin Dyck has put together an eclectic line up of unique acts that will delight the audience. Highlights include Soprano Martha Penner from Chihuahua, Mexico who will perform with the 'Mariachi Los Dorados' a 10 piece mariachi band on songs such as “Cielito Lindo” and “Serenata Huasteca”.
Another highlight is music by Jake Sawatsky, who grew up in Paraguay and plays the national instrument of Paraguay – the “Paraguayan Harp”.
Stan Gubiotti, originally from Brazil will perform a Choro, a Samba and a Brazilian Waltz. Calvin Dyck will perform with Betty Suderman on some ethnic Ukrainian selections, and Fred Eckert will lead a quartet in some much-loved folk songs from Germany.
In addition, the Freedom Celebration Singers directed by Hans Kruger will sing Canadian folk tunes including Four Strong Winds by Ian Tyson, and “All the little rivers of Canada” arranged by Larry Nickel.
Donations will be accepted for the Russlaender Remembrance Fund which supports 3 MCC programs: Indigenous Neighbours, Ukraine, and International Refugee Settlement.
This concert is an event inspired by the 100 year anniversary of 21,000 Mennonite refugees coming to Canada from the Soviet Union between 1923 and 1930. To commemorate this anniversary, 123 tour participants will board a train in Quebec on July 6th, and arrive in BC on July 23rd, with stops along the way to visit important historical sites, celebrate with a variety of concerts, lectures and other presentations.
The Russlaender Tour Concert is open to anyone who would like to attend. Don’t miss this unique concert celebration.
