Spring in the Valley brings a renewed sense of energy. This May, the Arnprior Community Choir (ACC), led by Musical Director Lisa Webber, will channel that vitality into a performance of truly magnificent proportions. On May 1 and 2, the historic sanctuary of Grace St. Andrew’s United Church in Arnprior will resonate with the jubilant sounds of Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria, marking a centerpiece of the choir’s 2026 season.
Written in early 18th-century Venice, Vivaldi’s Gloria (RV 589) remains one of the most beloved works of the Baroque era. From its opening trumpet fanfare to the intricate, soaring choral fugues, the piece is a masterclass in joyful expression.
To bring this masterpiece to life, the ACC is thrilled to be joined by a professional chamber ensemble featuring a string quartet, oboe and trumpet. The addition of these instruments provides the bright, crisp textures essential to Vivaldi’s energetic, dramatic style.
The ACC is delighted to welcome both Jessica Belanger and Emily Spencer as soloists. Jessica hails from Renfrew and studied voice performance at McGill University. She now works as an elementary music teacher in Renfrew, Arnprior and Eganville. Another passion of hers is choral conducting, and since 2009 she has held the position of Director of the Renfrew Children’s/Youth Chorus. More recently, Jessica has renewed her love of musical theatre, singing many lead roles with Streetlight Theatre, Mississippi Mudds, and Really Cool Initiatives. She has also been a soprano soloist with many organizations throughout the Ottawa Valley including the Pembroke and Deep River Symphonies and the CAMMAC Ottawa Valley Music Festival.
Emily Spencer (née Helferty) grew up singing and performing with her family in the Ottawa Valley, sparking a life-long love of music. Emily holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where she was awarded the Queen’s Medal in Music and was a winner of the Concerto-Aria Competition. From there, she went to the Yale School of Music in New Haven, Connecticut, where she obtained a master’s degree in Vocal Performance. Emily recently moved home to the Ottawa Valley and in February 2026 was the winner of her category in the Ottawa NATS vocal competition.
A Journey through Resilience and Hope
Following an intermission, the second half of the program shifts toward contemporary works that explore the human spirit’s capacity for hope and community.
The repertoire includes an energetic song called Cantate Domino featuring Christa Lowry on trumpet. The ACC is thrilled to welcome Mississippi Mills’ Mayor Lowry, who is a trumpet player and teacher based in the Ottawa Valley who holds a Bachelor of Music from McGill, an Advanced Certificate in Performance from the University of Toronto, and a double Master’s Degree in Performance from Laval University in Quebec City. Her performance career ranges from orchestral and chamber ensembles to musical theatre pits and recording. She remains a prominent musical voice as an active freelancer, soloist, and educator throughout the Ottawa region with a deep commitment to community performance.
The vibrant energy of Cantate Domino then gives way to the poignant Inscription of Hope by Z. Randall Stroope. Inspired by words found scrawled on a cellar wall in Cologne during WWII, this piece is a profound testament to finding light in the darkest of times. It will be performed with the delicate accompaniment of the string quartet and a haunting oboe solo.
Continuing the theme of connection, the choir will perform Elaine Hagenberg’s You Do Not Walk Alone, a lush and comforting setting of a traditional Irish blessing. The concert then concludes with the iconic East Coast anthem We Rise Again. Arranged by Lydia Adams, this final piece serves as a stirring reminder of the resilience of our communities and the cycles of life that bind people together.
Concert Details
There are two concert times to choose from: Friday, May 1 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, May 2 at 2pm. They both take place at Grace St. Andrew’s United Church, located at 269 John Street North in Arnprior. Admission is $20 for adults, and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available in advance at White Pine Books (cash only). For more information, please visit arnpriorcommunitychoir.com.
The Arnprior Community Choir has long been a cornerstone of the local arts scene, providing a space where voices from across the region come together to share the joy of song. Whether you are a lifelong lover of Baroque classics or a newcomer to choral music, this concert offers a diverse program that promises to inspire.
Come experience the soaring melodies, joyful music and community spirit, all in a beautiful, historic venue. The ACC looks forward to seeing you!