The Ted Phillips Vocal Ensemble
Gig Seeker Pro

The Ted Phillips Vocal Ensemble

Band Jazz Gospel

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"NDG Silent Night Concert Perfectly Boisterous"

Maybe it was the thought of Christmas soon approaching, or the kindness of the human soul, or, perhaps, a combination of both as seasonal hymns and choir-led sing-a-longs led to a successful offering to African victims of HIV and AIDS Saturday at Zerf Production's Stille Nag concert.

"I appreciate it very much and so do the children of Africa," said Wilhelmina Fredericks of the donations collected from the audience right before announcing the exact dollar amount raised of $1,455.

Fredericks is the executive director of Zerf Productions, the association that puts on the concert. It is a local organization that is striving to raise $20 million for the 20 million children in Africa who suffer from HIV/AIDS.

At the tail end of the evening, Fredericks presented a film showcasing the Zerf Challenge, an annual event for the organization during which Mount Kilimanjaro is scaled to help raise awareness of the ongoing pandemic in Africa. After two successful campaigns over teh past two years, Fredericks announced that she and her team are climbing the mountain again come August and offered the experience to anyone willing to come along and help out her cause.

"Yes, we do have AIDS in Montreal and it's rapidly increasing. So if we help the Africans, we help ourselves," said Fredericks, a South African in her own right.

As much as the concert was a benefit to those in Africa, though, it also benefited the NDG Food Depot (with admission costing at least one non-perishable food item) and also those in attendance who bore witness to the stylings and talent of several local choirs.

The Revelation Choir was the first act of the night and set the mood perfectly. Slowly approaching the stage in formation via the aisle, each member held a lit candle to countermand the darkness established by effectively dimmed lights. After a few performances, the lights were turned back on and the choir's director and evening's host, Robert Bergner, proceeded to get the audience involved, introducing them to several original songs.

Reverend Martha Nell Thomson tok the stage soon thereafter to address not only the audience but also the situation at hand in Africa, affirming, following a short speech, that the welfare of others affects everyone else.

"We can't explain all the things that happen in the world but they do," she said. "And what we do know is that we are called to respond with passion and compassion and to open our hearts."

Acts of the night included the Rwandan Children's Choir, Vivienne Deane and the Out of NDG Choir, and the Ted Phillips Vocal Ensemble, each giving rousing performances.

To end it all, a final hymn, Silent Night, was sung by all on a night that, most would agree, was anything but.

13 December 2005
www.westendchronicle.com - Ryan Szporer, The Chronicle


"Ted Phillips Ensemble in Concert"

Music lovers filled the auditorium of Vanier College on December 3 for a major concert given by the Ted Phillips Vocal Ensemble. The group was formed three years ago by veteran musician Ted Phillips, a graduate of Concordia University's Fine Arts program who is well known in Montreal circles for his prowess on the piano. The members are experienced singers and musicians who have been performing for many years.

The concert opened with director Phillips playing a jazz piece dedicated to pre-Katrina New Orleans. It was well received. The program included jazz, blues, calypso, samba, and ballads.

Drummer Basil De Souza delighted the audience with his perfect imitation of Louis Armstrong's gravel voice. This was a great concert during which the many talented soloists performed. - Margo Blackman, NDG Community Contact


"2006 Press Release"

The Ted Phillips Vocal Ensemble presents an intimate evening to launch the holiday season. This 20-voice, 4-musician vocal ensemble will capture you with their unique arrangements of songs spanning several genres, including jazz, blues, latin, gospel and calypso.

The arresting performances of this emerging and eclectic group always leave you uplifted, invigorated, and satisfied. Their distinctive repertoire is unexpected, and their performance is engaging without the sense of having tried too hard. This promises to be a perfect evening to set the mood for the holiday season!

Tickets: $17.50
Ticket Information: 514-708-1649 or 514-482-7095
Tickets also available through the Admission Network: 514-790-1245
- The Herald


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

Currently at a loss for words...