For the head of the internationally renowned Elmer Iseler Singers, Leon Dubinsky’s classic “Rise Again” hit all the right notes in Cape Breton Friday evening. “Oh, it means everything to come home,” said Lydia Adams, originally from Glace Bay, N.S., and is now artistic director of the Toronto-based choir. Adams’ group performed alongside some local talent at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Church in Sydney, N.S., a place with great acoustics and plenty of friendly faces in the capacity crowd. “We have so many friends at the concert that it’s overwhelming, really,” Adams said. The night also included a couple of songs from The Men of the Deeps, who are days away from marking their 60th anniversary. “For those of us in the Cape Breton Chorale, this is an absolute delight to be able to sing with them,” said St. Marguerite Bourgeoys pastor Bill Burke, who also sang during the night’s concert. Burke said that for members of the Sydney choir, performing alongside groups that are recognized across the country in front of a full house in their home community was a special treat. “This builds community and anytime any church building and group is involved in building community, that’s a sacred thing,” Burke said. For the grande finale, all of the groups, which also included Sons of Membertou, came together for a rousing rendition of “Rise Again”. Given the late Dubinsky had some Ukrainian roots, something special is in the works when it comes to his Island anthem. “We have had it translated into Ukrainian,” Adams said. “And we plan to sing it and put it together with a number of choirs, Ukrainian choirs, Canadian choirs and send it to President Zelenskyy (in Ukraine).” Adams said the evening marked the first time that the Elmer Iseler Singers, Cape Breton Chorale and Men of the Deeps all performed together in unison. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
