Chorus Novus

Article extracted from The Local Seekers

The desire to sing sacred and modern choral music was expressed by several fellow choristers especially after performing in A Sing-along Messiah event, held at Trinity Anglican Church. This inspired Margaret Camplin and Brian Hubelit to consider forming a choir. After several months of discussions and thoughtful planning, Chorus Novus was formed; rehearsals began on August 31, 2004.This choir was referred to as The New Choir for several months until finally the members agreed on “Chorus Novus” which means new choir in Latin.

Chorus Novus is always pleased to welcome experienced new choristers with competent sight-reading skills but they also welcome singers who wish to try. Beyond that, they simply expect members to embrace with enthusiasm a commitment to the joy and discipline of high caliber choir singing.

The choir provides capable singers, in this field the opportunity to sing traditional and modern choral repertoire with particular focus on sacred music including that of Canadian composers. They are also committed to giving local music students the opportunity to perform, as vocal soloists, with the choir and instrumentally in orchestral form. They mostly perform with orchestra accompaniment. Chorus Novus does not affiliate itself with any particular faith or community.

Their present membership is of various faiths, and the group is based in Cornwall; their membership is recruited throughout S.D. &G. Chorus Novus is responsive to requests from the community to perform at various events.

Their Music Director, Mr. Brian Hubelit, is presently Director of Music at Trinity Anglican Church, Cornwall. He is an experienced Choir Director, as well as, a Professional Organist. Brian also composes and arranges choral music, which is often performed by Chorus Novus. Their rehearsal and concert accompanist on piano and organist is Rosemary Brown.

Their performances have included Handel’s Messiah, both the Christmas and Easter sections, Fauré’s Requiem, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. Our Christmas concerts have included a German Christmas Celebration, Noël, choral music by French composers and a Canadian Christmas of choral music by Canadian composers. In December 2010, they added Spanish Christmas folk songs to their repertoire.

In April 2010, they performed The Armed Man, a Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins, who lives in Wales, UK and whose modern choral compositions have surpassed his expectations. Jenkin’s compositions are a challenge, not only for chorus but also for the orchestra.

Each Chorus Novus concert is a new challenge for its singers and you are encouraged to attend one of their concerts. You just don’t know, you may experience and enjoy another style of music.

Chorus Novus was granted a charitable status in February 2010; therefore, if you wish to make a donation to become a Patron, they can now issue an income tax receipt. Your support by being in their audience is also very much appreciated.

For details on the schedule of their next concerts, call Brian Hubelit (613) 933-3991 ext. 2 or email: wbridh@gmail.com