"Imagine" … if we would just give peace … "a chance"

John Lennon's widow made no effort to camouflage her feelings when she congratulated the young singers for their distinctive rendition of the ex-Beatle's much-celebrated hymn to peace. "For sure, this was not the first time she heard the song under these kinds of circumstances. But it was a surprise for Yoko Ono, and she confided to us it was a return to the roots, Montreal, where her love story with John Lennon began," related Philippe Ostiguy, artistic and musical director of the two groups of young singers.

Les Petits chanteurs de Laval and Les Voix Boréales sang by Yoko Ono's side, in front of 1500 invited guests at the event. The exposition Imagine: John and Yoko's Ballad for Peace, recalls the 40th anniversary of John and Yoko's renowned Montreal bed-in of 1969, and offers a renewal of the eternal message and dream of peace on earth. Admission to the showing is free.

After providing accompaniment to the choirs of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Orchestra for several years in various performances at the Lanaudière Music Festival, the young boys choir of the Petits chanteurs de Laval and their girls counterparts, (Les Voix Boréales) have received and accepted an invitation to present their own concert Sunday, July 5, on the stage of the Joliette Amphitheatre.

"We're going to sing our own repertoire, which extends from music of the Renaissance to popular songs to major classical works. It's a beautiful gesture of confidence (in us) from the Festival," Mr. Ostiguy explained.

Before then, the boys go on tour in Spain from April 13 to 26, preceding the girls who'll be on a singing tour of the North East of North America in May.

In a process of renewal and in preparation toward replenishing the roster of the choirs, both groups are now recruiting new young singers. Children in grades 1 to 4 and girls in grades 3 and 4 of elementary school are invited to audition before the end of April. Aged 8 to 17, these young choristers are called upon to live experiences that lead toward maximum development of their musical potential. For further information and audition appointments: 514-583-6508 or www.singsing.ca