In mid-March of 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MRCS board suspended all choir activities indefinitely to ensure the safety of choir members and reduce community spread. The pandemic brought uncertainty, angst, and social isolation. Choirs around the globe were greatly restricted or shut down completely. For what seemed an eternity, Maple Ridge Chorus members missed the joy and comaraderie of choral singing.
Finally, after an 18-month hiatus, MRC resumed rehearsals on September 7, 2021, with strict safety protocols in place. All singers agree to do as follows:
- Provide proof of double-vaccination
- Use hand sanitizer before entering the rehearsal venue
- Wear a mask at all times while in the venue
- Maintain social distance while in the venue
- Agree to comply with any future requirements of the venue or pubic health authorities
Returning to choral singing at this time has been challenging. Despite safety protocols, some members still do not feel safe coming back and have thus chosen to sit out the fall/Christmas season. A couple more will not return until protocols are lifted. While we miss those members and look forward to their return, Maple Ridge Chorus is nonetheless delighted to be back singing again! We are grateful and thrilled that accomplished sisters Aimee and Claire Oliverio (both of whom recently earned masters degrees) are coming back as director and accompanist, respectively. We are also pleased to welcome a few new members to the fold. MRC plans to perform a Christmas concert in early December of 2021.