The late Sue Milne loved to sing – and she encouraged others to join the Coast’s many choirs. As a volunteer she worked tirelessly for many musical organizations: the Festival of the Performing Arts, her beloved Pender Harbour Choir and the Suncoast Phoenix Choir. Before she passed away in September 2017 she also led the Sunshine Coast Music Society (SCMS).
The SCMS and a host of interested people will put on a Memorial Concert in Milne’s name at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Chatelech Theatre in Sechelt. Tickets for $20 are available at Strait Music in Sechelt and Laedeli Gifts in Gibsons, or at the door, if not sold out.
The program is still being firmed up, though it will include the following choirs and ensembles: Suncoast Phoenix Choir with conductor Sara Douglas and a smaller ensemble of its members led by Sarona Mynhardt. The Pender Harbour Community Choir will also be on stage led by Ken Johnson and will include a smaller ensemble, Sass. A Cappella Strait (led by Janice Brunson) and the six-member Vocal Intent (led by Liz Scott) will also be performing. Soloists include Edmund Arceo, Willie Husselmann and Pamela Wood with Matthew and Sara Douglas joining her for duets.
Most of the performers have many happy memories of Milne.
“Sue was the first person I met on the Coast in terms of the music scene,” Douglas said. “Her effervescent character and love of music shone through in everything she did. I still look for her when I am conducting the choir, and I miss her hugs dearly.”
The Society hopes to raise sufficient funds as a result of this event to set up a permanent endowment fund in Milne’s name. SCMS director Gordon Catherwood describes the intent: “The purpose of the Fund is to support vocal/choral endeavours on the Sunshine Coast and to promote vocal/choral excellence. The intention for the monies collected is for purchase of music; support for workshops, competitions and concerts; and any other endeavours that would promote vocal talent on the [Coast].”
If you would like to donate, cheques can be made out to Sunshine Coast Music Society and sent to 1610 Sunshine Coast Highway, Gibsons, V0N 1V2.
