'Unfurling Our Wings' a healing balm for community

October 22, 2022

Last night, my husband and I attended the first performance of Vicki Blake’s “Unfurling Our Wings” at the Pearl Theater in Bonners Ferry. Outstanding! Vicki always selects the most challenging pieces for her choral groups to sing, and this selection certainly must have been the most difficult yet.

My heart was overflowing listening to and watching longtime friends tackling the program with such dedication, determination and finesse.

Vicki’s talents are legendary, and her range of abilities was on full display last night. On top of directing the entire production, she expertly played a beautiful woodwind instrument (sounded like the deepest, most mellow form of recorder) while also directing one of the numbers. Vicki directed and sang with the Boundless Women’s Ensemble last night.

In addition to all of this musical talent, she sumptuously spread before us a continuous, appropriately selected display of exquisite artwork behind the performers and in synch with the performances. It was delightful to be able to read along with the lyrics of the pieces being sung.

The selections of poetry read by choristers was the proverbial icing on the cake.

As always, Karen Samter’s rhythmical, beautifully expressed sign language interpretation of two numbers enriched our experience even more.

The soloists, from Tenor Van Stonehocker to Sopranos Julie McLeish and Gail Southall, were the best ever.

It seemed as if all of these different, talented local voices were singing the message with one voice because of the beautiful and seamless way all of the soloists’ voices blended with their singing partners in the Spiritsong Women’s Choir and Boundless Men’s and Women’s Ensembles .

The peace, love and commitment shown by every participant last night truly already helped ease the pain inflicted by those who are not as peaceful, loving and committed to this community.

Editors note: There will be a matinee performance of "Unfurling Our Wings" at 2 p.m. today at the Pearl Theater, 7160 Ash Street, Bonners Ferry, and a final performance at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 23, at the Kootenay River Auditorium Kootenay River Secondary, 223-18 Avenue South, Creston.