Christmas Luncheon

Special Performance by the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir

Robert Cooper Director

Kimberly Barber Mezzosoprano, Soloist

Program

Wassail Song Vaughan Williams

Good Bless the Master Vaughan Williams

Sir Christmas Williams Mathias

Carol of the Bells M. Leontovich

Away In a Manger Arr. Elmer Iseler

O Come All Ye Faithful Carol

Hark the Herald Carol

C.R. Charlton

Your Honour, members and friends of the Empire Club of Canada. It is the presence of the Crown, as represented by the Honourable John Black Aird that distinguishes this occasion. It is my great pleasure to invite him to bring greetings from Her Majesty.

The Hon. Mr. Aird

Thank you very much Madam President, Madam Treasurer of the Law Society, distinguished guests of the head table and friends one and all. I come here today with a special feeling of pride because Jane is here with me.

It is with the greatest of pride that I come here today as Her Majesty's representative. When I say that I bring you greetings for Christmas and for 1985, I think that most of us are feeling a little bit better about the way things are in our country these days. I feel that it has to do with a spirit that is increasingly abroad, namely that of giving more to others, and thinking more about others than about ourselves, not only at home, but abroad.

When I come to this happiest, in my view, of the Christmas celebrations that are held here in Toronto, may I say that I look across the room and see that magnificent young choir, and this is the sort of thing that makes Ontario tick - it makes Canada tick. These young people come with devotion and dedication and with beauty. When I salute the Empire Club today, which I do with great sincerity and with a feeling of appreciation of what this club has meant, not only to Toronto but to this country over the years, I want you to know that it is in the deepest fullness of my heart that I salute you on behalf of Her Majesty - Our Queen.

C.R. Charlton

Thank you, your Honour.

Your Honour, Mrs. Aird, ladies and gentlemen: I know that you are looking forward to the wonderful music of the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir so my introductory remarks will be as brief as possible.

First and foremost, the choir is led by Mr. Robert Cooper, who was appointed conductor in 1978. Mr. Cooper has distinguished himself in the field of choral music. In addition to the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir, he is the director of the acclaimed Opera in Concert Chorus, and teaches choral conducting at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto.

The choir itself, established in 1977, comprises seventy talented and enthusiastic young people, many of whom are students at the high school and university level. Singing with the choir today is Miss Kimberly Barber, an outstanding young mezzosoprano who studies at the Canadian Opera School and sings with the Canadian Opera Chorus.

Ladies and gentlemen, we anticipate with pleasure this concert by the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir under the direction of Mr. Robert Cooper, with Miss Kimberly Barber.

The appreciation of the audience was expressed by MGen. Bruce J. Legge, Q.c., a Past President of the Club.