Get ready for a joyful and moving musical experience as the Quarantones Male Chorus present “Memories,” a concert filled with beloved Broadway show tunes and songs of days gone by. The performances take place at Weird Church, Comox United Church and Cape Mudge United Church on Quadra Island on June 6, 7 and 8 respectively. Known for their rich harmonies and engaging stage presence, the Quarantones promise a celebration of the music that lives in our hearts.
Denise Marquette, who directs the twelve voices of the Quarantones, has selected a repertoire that reflects the emotional power of music to capture moments in time and bring them vividly back to life.
Among the Broadway highlights are the emotionally charged "Bring Him Home" from Les Misérables, a prayer of protection and hope sung with power and passion by Orlando Wiebe and "The Quest (The Impossible Dream"} from Man of La Mancha, a soaring tribute to perseverance in the face of adversity. These are beautifully complemented by selections like "Vive L’Amour," a spirited toast to friendship and the joy of singing together, "Wanting Memories," a plaintive meditation on loss, remembrance, and connection, and "The Waves on the Sea, How They Roll," a traditional sea ballad that captures the steady rhythm of life and time. Together, these songs weave a rich tapestry of musical storytelling that speaks to both personal and collective memory.
Marquette shares her deep love for this kind of repertoire: “I love Broadway music. It has a way of reaching into the heart. It combines story, emotion, and melody in such a powerful way—you don’t just hear the songs, you feel them. They stay with you because they speak to something deeply human.” Her favorite piece in the concert, "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, perfectly captures that feeling: “It’s a soulful lullaby that paints a picture of peace, warmth, and security. It describes an idyllic summer scene—“the livin’ is easy,” “fish are jumpin,” and “yo' daddy's rich an' yo' mama’s good lookin’”—yet beneath its tranquil surface lies a quiet yearning, hinting at the hardships of life and the hope that the child will rise above them. The song’s beauty lies in that blend of comfort and melancholy, promise and struggle.”
The Quarantones are pleased to welcome back Cumberland’s own Valley Edge Choir for a single performance at Weird Church. Their repertoire brings together powerful mining songs like "16 Tons," "Pit Pony" and "Drill Ye Tarriers, Drill," with iconic Gen X anthems from The Tragically Hip, Alanis Morissette, and The Cranberries. This unique blend of music will add depth and texture to the evening’s program, showcasing the choir’s versatility and heart.
“Memories“ is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of the music that shapes our lives and the feelings that endure across time. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students and are available on-line and at the door. For more information visit .
