By Joanne Dorr
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA — The Haldimand Choralairs will be bidding a “fond farewell” to the community after nearly 60 years together.
The Haldimand Choralairs was formed in 1964 when Jean Bullivant, Margaret Van Loon, and Agnes Small brought together a group of women who loved to sing. These women, under the direction of George Shippey, called themselves the Caledonia Choralairs.
Later in 1967 the Haldimand Choralairs were formed when the Caledonia Choralairs partnered with the Caledonia Men’s Glee Club. The newly dubbed Haldimand Choralairs was a four-part mixed chorus of 35 members, that grew to 50 at times, and met weekly preparing for Christmas and spring performances throughout Haldimand County and beyond.
Karen Walton, who started with the Haldimand Choralairs in 1967, recalls Shippey telling the choir that in order for the choir to survive and be good, they had to explore, perform, and compete beyond the boundaries of Haldimand County. Walton adds, “As a group we had to work together to do that, we held many fundraisers.” Soon after this the Haldimand Choralairs started performing around the world.
The Choralairs performed at Expo ‘67 in Montreal; it was a women’s only choir at that time. Walton recalls, “There might have been about 25 women and we went in gingham dresses of all different colours and made quite a splash. As we sang the crowds grew and we got a very good response.”
The choir returned to Expo again in ‘86, this time in Vancouver. Beyond that, the Haldimand Choralairs travelled to Ottawa, where they opened the Millennium celebrations of Canada Day 2000 by singing the national anthem. Gail Collins, who has been a choir member since 1998, adds, “We always sang ‘Oh Canada’ in both languages and I remember singing while choking back tears.” Both Walton and Collins agree this was a very powerful and emotional moment.
The choir also travelled south of the border, performing at the World’s Fair in San Antonio, Texas, and placed respectably overseas in an outdoor chorus competition in Llangollen, Wales in 1974. All special moments in the history of the Choralairs that will never be forgotten.
In addition to George Shippey, the Haldimand Choralairs was directed by Clyde Cope, Geoffrey Bullivant, Stillman Matheson, and Carlos Arcila. Each director brought their musical expertise and talent to amplify the beautiful sound for which the Choralairs were known. Whether they were performing Handel’s Messiah, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, or Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling in Love, the group explored all musical genres. Walton explains, “That’s what a lot of choirs do not have – we had a good range and something everyone enjoyed.”
As much as the Choralairs loved performing throughout the world, they were equally happy to perform locally at community centres, funerals, and weddings. Often the group would visit long-term care homes where residents were able to enjoy the beautiful sound of the Choralairs bringing back memories of their youth.
Haldimand Choralairs has had a motto that says it all: “If you’re too busy to sing… you’re too busy.” One that has stayed with them for 55 years, this motto too will be remembered. Collins says, “It’s sad that we’re not going to be there anymore after all these years. It’s hard to imagine.”
The Choralairs would like to express a sincere “thank you” to everyone who has supported them throughout the years, believing they would not have lasted as long without that support.
After every practice and performance, the Choralairs would sing As Long As I Have Music. This song will be sung, possibly through tears, at their upcoming Farewell Open House on Sunday, October 30, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. at the Caledonia Lions Hall on Haddington Street. A Time for Memories will be at 3 p.m., and refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome!
