05/23/2026
Our Victoria trip to Podium Conference was a tremendous success in every way.
our focus...
open minds
open bodies
open faces
open hearts
This we accomplished. We spoke a lot ahead of time about the exciting choirs we knew we would hear and also about presenting ourselves and our "flavour" as openly and authentically as possible.
Our Konektis goals have always been connection. Our group is full of EDUCATORS - veteran ones and promising ones - many are MUSIC educators!
So...here's our report card...
Konekt with our music ✔️
Konekt with our audiences ✔️✔️
Konekti with each other ✔️✔️✔️
Bonus points -Konekt with Vancouver Youth Choir ✔️❤️
We were very appreciative of the huge variety of excellent Canadian choirs we witnessed - adorable school children singing indigenous compositions with a youth drumming group, Women's choirs with stunningly gorgeous tone, expressive Francophone ensembles, a heart-warming special needs choir -an audience favorite, a massive and colorful Victoria pop choir, and a children's group from a private school fully staged and performed to absolute perfection. We witnessed the creative polish and intellectual sophistication of Intertidal, the charisma of UBC, the extraordinary full tone of the Capital Chamber Choir and so many others. Canadian composers shone throughout the many days - we have so much brilliance in our country!!
On Friday, we attended the National Youth Concert with much anticipation and pride with 5 Konektis singers chosen for this prestigious ensemble. The concert was incredible - such a polished refined sound and very high level musicality. Congrats Dr. Julia Davids , Mathew Boutda and all singers. The gorgeous Christ Church Cathedral was packed with an extremely appreciative crowd.
Next we were lucky to be able to give four performances - such a reward for our hard work. Saturday, we performed a public concert downtown at St Andrew's Church. This was a charming venue with a crowd that definitely knew how to show their appreciation. Then we hiked in the rain to a private sharing session with our idols - the Vancouver Youth Choir. Carrie and Michelle had wanted this so very badly and worked to dodging all Podium events and rent a fantastic venue. The sharing session exceeded expectations. VYC and Konektis were fast musical friends. The feelings of love and admiration flowed like crazy - it was THE most inspiring and uplifting experience we could every imagine. To be so close to their most magical artistry brought us to tears. Of course, to see them again on the huge Farquar Auditorium Stage on Sunday was indeed a highlight - Canada proud!!!
Sunday, we took to the stage and were met with incredible responses from our audiences. The Philip T. Young Recital Hall was a lovely venue and it was fun to feel and hear the excitement from audience members. Most exciting was the comments about how we made them FEEL. We were treated to instant standing ovations and we so enjoyed the many people who approached us after our performances - people we have long admired and lovely new friends.
We are grateful to Adam, Elizabeth, Steven, Colin, Christine, Sadie, and John and every single person who made this possible. Victoria was incredibly beautiful and the music heart-filling!!!
We can't wait to see what is next!
