Members of the Songs of Remembrance cast practised recently at Green Hill-Alma United Church. Front row, from left: Stacia Findlay, Vivi Chediac, Rhonda Brown, Ann Holton-Melong and pianist Lloyd MacLean. Back row: Ron Newcombe, Sally O’Neill, Brian Bowden, Darrell Roddick and Randy Gilby . (Goodwin photo)
PICTOU — Songs of Remembrance, an evening of nostalgic songs and storytelling, offered a look back at wartime Pictou County with a scope of songs from patriotic to poignant and stories from heart-rending to humorous.
The performance took place 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre.
Featuring some of the finest singing talent around, a narrator retold stories specific to Pictou County, while reminiscing about the music of those periods.
It is written by Sandy Mackay and based on his research and conversations with veterans of those times.
“With solo and ensemble performances, this presentation was one not to be missed as we remembered and paid tribute to those who went before with the best remembered music of the era,” said Mackay, who co-produced the event with Ann Holton-Melong.
David MacLean is musical director, while Rhonda Brown is the concert’s director.
“It’s a small way for us artists to say thank you to our veterans,” Brown said. “It’s really a glimpse into Pictou County during the wars and how Pictou County contributed to the war effort at the time.
“We learn this as kids and forget it as we get older, but when you research it, it’s really impressive.”