Choir deserves our city’s support

Dear editor: Carnegie Hall in New York City is a world renowned music concert centre. It is rare, if not unprecedented, for a small, unheralded choir group to get invited to perform there, but this is what occurred for the Our Redeemer Lutheran choir from Penticton.

Based on some of their recorded songs posted on Youtube by the choir director Shayla Sipila, this group was selected by a composer to perform at a concert of his work in November 2018.

A big honour for the choir and Penticton, but unfortunately without funding.

The group will have to cover its own costs for travel, accommodation, and meals while in New York City for several days.

As you can imagine this does not come cheap, particularly with our discounted Canadian dollar.

The choir has entered into a fundraising campaign, which consists of choir performances, dinners, yard sales, bottle drives and a canvass of local businesses to provide cash or product donations to be used in silent auctions.

They have also arranged to enter a float in the Peach Festival parade to promote their campaign.

Many small businesses have responded favourably to this request, and their support is much appreciated.

As the choir will be representing the city of Penticton, they made a request through the established channels to receive a financial grant from the city to help cover some of the cost.

This request was turned down flat by the mayor and council based on staff recommendation as it didn't meet the city's guidelines for funding. To say that this was a major disappointment to the choir members involved would be an understatement.

In other words, their representation for the city at this renowned music venue is worth zero dollars to the city. Individuals and business groups have been supportive, but certainly not city administration who apparently see no promotional value here.

Claude Bergman

Penticton