Choral Connection’s April Concert by Peri Hayes Choral Connection is a thriving non-profit choir in St. Thomas and the surrounding area. Hugh Van Pelt, Artistic Director of Choral Connection, enthuses, “My wife, Lucy Van Pelt, and I formed the choir in 2003, and have been putting on concerts in the community ever since.” Hugh fervently describes what has continued their enjoyment working with this professional group of musicians: “There’s an incredible collaboration between the instrumentalists, choristers, volunteers, and even audience members for each concert we put on. Everyone has such an amazing perspective and excitement they bring to each musical work that we undertake – it’s a joy and an honour that one never grows tired of!” Choral Connection is celebrating one of their two annual concerts this April, with their previous having taken place in December of 2025 and entailing Handel’s Messiah . Meanwhile, Hugh passionately elaborates on this upcoming event: “We will feature Mozart’s iconic, infamous Requiem mass. This piece represents Mozart’s musical writing at its most profound. It’s instantly recognizable — often excerpted for TV and film — and it comes with a unique mythology as a piece that was actually left unfinished at the composer’s time of death. It features all the aspects you look for in a musical journey – elegance and beauty, but also drama, intrigue and emotional density.” While their orchestra members and soloists are financially compensated, Choral Connection choristers are highlighted for generously volunteering their time. Furthermore, professional orchestra players are employed by sponsors in the community, about which Hugh expresses with gratitude, “The reason we
are able to produce performances at a professional level is due to the incredible support of our sponsors within the community and throughout Southwestern Ontario; we could not accomplish the things we do without this support.” With the rehearsal process having excitingly begun last month, Hugh shares that this choir hovers around 50 singers per concert. He warmly invites, “Join us Friday, April 3rd at 7:30 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church in St. Thomas!” Tickets are available in advance through the choralconnection.ca website, along with cash sales at the door. As Choral Connection eagerly prepares for their concert on the horizon, Hugh concludes, “If you are interested in supporting our organization, please email choralconnection1@gmail.com.” Photo courtesy of Johnny Gonzalez.
SPRINGWATER MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL TASTE THE SWEETNESS OF SPRING
ADULTS $10.00 | CHILDREN $5.00
Event Highlights
10:00 AM - 03:00 PM MARCH 14-17, 19-22 & 28
WAGON RIDES
Experience tractor-drawn wagon rides through the scenic Springwater Forest
PANCAKE HOUSE The Pancake House runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, hosted by local community groups—cash only! NATURAL RESOURCES DAY Vendors and more!
Watch live demonstrations of maple syrup production, maple syrup products for purchase ! MAPLE SYRUP PRODUCTION DEMOS
EMERGENCY SERVICES DAY
Meet emergency responders from the OPP and Malahide Fire Department !
FOR A FULL LIST AND CALENDAR OF ACTIVITES, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Aylmer, ON 8059 Springwater Road
catfishcreek.ca 519-773-9037
Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • March 2026
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