In a harmonious celebration of shared history and enduring bonds, the “Ship of Memories” concert is set to take the stage on Jan. 21, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
The Mount Zion Lutheran Church, located at 29 Westmount St S, Waterloo, will be the backdrop for this musical extravaganza.
The concert lineup is a testament to the collaborative efforts of students who have poured their passion into the project.
Mezzosoprano Delaney Dam will grace the stage, showcasing their talents in a diverse program that includes the emotionally charged Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, a fresh string arrangement of Schumann’s Mädchenlieder and the premiere of Drew Aarssen’s “A Sailing Ship.”
Aarssen’s composition serves as a touching tribute to the late Lorin Shalanko, Laurier’s cherished accompanist.
This initiative, born from the minds of students and built from the ground up, serves as a platform to showcase the immense talent within the community.
It stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication required to conceive, plan and execute a musical program of this magnitude.
“Like the ship in Beecher’s poetry, there are people who look so great in our lives that their absence is nothing but noticeable. A Sailing Ship is about the reflective process of loss and, ultimately, about the solitude we find in their memory. I hope this piece helps everyone in their times of grief and struggles, however small or significant they be,” said Drew Aarssen, the com- poser behind “A Sailing Ship.”
Delaney Dam, a key performer and organizer, stressed the significance of Aarssen’s composition: “Drew’s piece, dedicated to our late coach Lorin Shalanko, speaks to the themes of grief and memory. Lorin played a crucial role in all our journeys, shaping us as musicians.”
“For me, Ship of Memories is about resilience, friendship and a shared dedication to music. It’s not just about the performance, but the challenges we’ve faced together and the passion that binds us”
Delaney Dam
This collaboration extends beyond vocal performances to include string musicians comprised of Kaitlynn Cook and Kai Rousseau on violin, Hazel Millar on viola and Leah Mezo-Willingham on cello.
Their diverse backgrounds and experiences contribute to the holistic and inclusive approach to creativity and expression within the Laurier faculty of music. Over 40 hours of rehearsal have
been invested in the production, showcasing the meticulous preparation and practice dedicated to this project since its inception in September 2023.
All performers sincerely thank faculty members who have played a role in supporting this endeavor, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the concert’s success.
“Working on this project with my friends has been a journey through our shared history…It’s a celebration of the time and progress we’ve made together in our degrees. Creating this has shown us the real-world challenges of producing such a production, giving us a taste of what lies ahead as working musicians.”
Delaney DAM
The “Ship of Memories” con- cert embodies the potential and determination within the Laurier student community.
It promises not just a musical experience but an inspiring journey of unity, resilience and creativity.
Save the date on Jan. 21 to join in the celebration of talent, hard work and the transformative power of music in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.