For several years now, I have wanted to offer a recital to my church family as a reflection of my gratitude for the encouragement and nurturing that I received growing up. It is by the Grace of God, through the intercessions of Saints – both living and living again in Christ – that I am alive today and able to share my gifts. It is with that spirit of thanksgiving that I will offer up my songs to you and to God at this recital.

The inspiration for the program comes primarily from a single songbook I own. It’s not a remarkable songbook for any reason other than that the selection of music it contains is so perfectly ‘sacred classic’. Each piece is a Romantic art song with sacred subject matter, making it perfect for recital, competition or worship. They are all familiar melodies, making them art songs that are accessible to the non-classical enthusiast. Each song, though perhaps ‘easy’ on the surface, presented me with its own vocal challenge, such as the long, expressive lines in “Dank Sei Dirr, Herr” and the story-telling nature of “O Divine Redeemer”. Overall, the collection offers songs suitable for many different liturgical uses; it satisfies the requirements of being useful for performance opportunities, being useful for learning vocal technique and, most importantly, being full of wonder and love for God.

 Update!  The program has been finalized, and I have selected are nineteen fantastic songs to sing for you.  A few that I mentioned before didn't make the final cut, but I know that listeners will be inspired by the selections.  I'm really, very excited.

About S. Skye Donald (née MacPherson-Gillespie). Skye’s most recent

appearances include the participation Upper Island Music Festival in
Nanaimo where she received special recognition from the adjudicator for
her outstanding performance. This summer she participated in the Pacific
Vocal Institute, receiving instruction from Cythia Munzer and Gary Glaze.
While living in the lower mainland, Skye studied music at Douglas College
in New Westminster on a performance-based scholarship. She had an
opportunity to perform with UBC Brass instructor Martin Berinbaum and
served as a soloist & section leader at St. Andrews-Wesley United Church.
She appeared as the Queen of the Night in a production of the Magic Flute
at Langley Community Music School and participated in the Royal City
Musical Theatre Society’s production of Carousel. Parksville born and
raised, she has appeared as a soloist with the Parksville & District
Community Choir, and as a student, she was involved with the music
programs at Ballenas and Kwalicum Secondary Schools. Skye currently
serves as the choir director at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum
Beach, and this recital is her first major appearance since returning to
the Parksville area.

About Sharon Wishart. Sharon Wishart is a well-known member of British
Columbia’s music community, both as an educator and a performer. She was
the official accompanist for the BC Festival of Arts for 10 years, has
played on cruise ships and regularly accompanies singers and
instrumentalists in recital. She has recently performed with Cynthia
Munzer and Gary Glaze as part of the Pacific Vocal Institute, with Shae
Apland and Marrissa Famiglietti in “Me and My Girl”, and with Rie Okamura
in St. Philips By the Sea’s “Accent on Women” and St. Andrew’s “In Loving
Remembrance”. In the past two seasons, Sharon toured with the vocal duo,
“East meets West”, and as the accompanist for “Academy West”, one of BC’s
finest youth choirs. While on tour in Australia, the choir and Sharon were
invited to perform in the Sydney Opera House. She presently teaches voice
and piano at her private studio in Nanaimo and is the Music Director for
Gabriola United Church.