COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

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by Sonya Kuitenbrouwer
(click images to enlarge)

A MUSICAL KEY TO COMMUNITY BUILDING
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church

St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church, on the corner of Nelson and Burrard, is a vibrant cornerstone in Vancouver’s West End. The church is known for weaving a rich tapestry of music into the fabric of its identity. A universal language to many, music plays a large role in their work in to help build community and is often at the heart of the church’s services.

Angelique Po, director of music at st. Andrew’s-Wesley.

Angelique Po is the director of music at St. Andrews-Wesley. One of the ways the church works to build community through music is by making those opportunities accessible and appealing to all, Po said.

“If we want to be part of this community, we have to appeal to everyone. We don't want to gate keep by having expensive ticket prices, or only offering specific genres. So, we're open to all sorts of different music in the same way that we want to appeal to a large the wider community around us.”

With members hailing from classical, jazz, and gospel backgrounds, the church's approach to music is not confined to traditional or religious genres; rather, it is a reflection of its goal to serve diverse communities in the city. Being located in the downtown core, the church aims to create a welcoming space where music becomes a unifying force that transcends social divisions.

Choral Director Peggy Hua.

Free evening concerts are a highlight among the church’s many music programs. Formerly offered during the lunch hour, the church holds Tuesday evening concerts on select dates. Showcasing a variety of local talent in an accessible way is one of many efforts the church is making to give back to the community, Po said.

“I really think it's important that if we're calling ourselves a community church, we hire these professional musicians from the community. We have good talents and good concerts in this city, we don’t need to look outside of Vancouver to find good music.”

Earlier this year the well-known Vancouver choral ensemble Chor Leoni became the official Choir In Residence at the church, in addition to the many local musicians who take part in the Sunday afternoon Jazz Vespers. Chor Leoni now holds their scheduled recitals at the church, and the City Lights Gospel Choir performs at the 10:30 a.m. service on the third Sunday of each month.

In addition to Po, the music team at the church includes choral director Peggy Hua and Jazz Vespers coordinator Ben MacRae. Together, they organize and oversee a rich selection of musical and choral offerings.

Jazz Vespers coordinator Ben MacRae.

The various choirs play a vital role in the church’s musical tapestry, with a deliberate choice to keep them non-auditioned. This decision aims to reduce barriers, welcoming individuals of varying musical abilities and backgrounds. The church’s choirs, such as United in Voice, the West End Singers and the Children's Choir, not only enrich the musical landscape but also provide avenues for musical expression, regardless of socioeconomic background.

Beyond traditional services, the church presents innovative programs like Jazz Vespers, blending spirituality with the uplifting notes of jazz. The candlelight services on Sundays offer a meditative and calming space for reflection. This music of this service is inspired by the Taizé movement, the work of an ecumenical Christian monastic fraternity in Taizé, Saône-et-Loire, France.

In a time of challenge for the arts, St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church is a beacon, emphasizing that music is not merely a performance but a shared experience that binds communities together. Through its diverse music programs, Po says the church hopes to stand as a testament to the belief that the universal language of music has the power to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and create a sense of belonging within the city.

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