Expect the unexpected at the Sea to Sky Singers’ next concert, Secrets and Lies.
While listening to classic spy songs, the audience will have the chance to test their own sleuthing skills to determine the truth behind the deception.
The concert features madrigals, folk and pop songs, including “The Drunken Sailor” and “The Great Pretender,” with hidden meaning and intrigue.
“There are a lot of songs that you think you know then you realize there’s another meaning, and songs full of secrets,” said music director Veronica McPhee.
Between songs, the Sea to Sky Singers will host their own version of The New Liar’s Club, a Canadian game show where a celebrity panel analyzes weird and unusual objects with a series of questions and answers. In this version, the audience is invited to guess who is telling the truth as Blair Murdoch, the show’s real life producer, guides the game.
Secrets and Lies, featuring McPhee along with assistant director Ian Brown and accompanist Sydney Sproul, will be held April 23 at 7:30 p.m. and April 24 at 2 p.m. at the Brackendale Art Gallery.
The concert also includes Adele’s hit song “Skyfall” from the 23rd James Bond film of the same name, as well as a version of “Mission Impossible” that will take on a new life by being sung instead of performed on instruments as in the original version.
“There are a variety of styles of music, but they all tie themselves together in the secrets and lies theme,” said McPhee, who has been the Sea to Sky Singers’ conductor since 2003. “It’s about secrets, gossip and secret love.”
While the songs are performed with adults in mind, she encourages families to come out to the event. Younger audience members will enjoy listening to the upbeat tunes and trying to guess the correct answers in the game-show portion of the concert.
The audience will also have the chance to guess a few select secrets from the choir members themselves.
“As a music director, I try to break down the barrier between the performers and the audience and have the audience participate,” said McPhee.
Dorte Froslev, a choir member and owner of the Brackendale Art Gallery, said performing at the BAG will be different than singing in their usual location, a church.
The venue is more like a cabaret, with wine and beer served during the performance. Audience members are welcome to arrive early to have dinner or lunch at the teahouse.
“It’s a more casual venue than other locations,” said Froslev, who sings tenor. “We have fun songs, and this will be a great night.”
Sea to Sky Singers’ spring season often features more contemporary music, compared with the traditional Christmas season. The choir marked its 22nd anniversary this year. Tickets to Secrets and Lies are available at Concrete Blonde, Newport Market and at the door. Children under 13 years old receive free admission. See www.seatoskysingers.net.
