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Rosanne Simunovic, the accomplished founder and conductor of the Timmins Youth Singers (subsequently called the Timmins Concert Singers), told me in recent correspondence that I Remember December is the group's most popular CD. It is easy to see why.

Snow, children, and Christmas make for a potent blend, and that potential is realized on I Remember December. This CD features 15 wonderful tracks, nicely blending popular favorites with classical compositions. On the classical side, Composer John Rutter, a great favorite of mine, has three winning songs here, beginning with the opening number Good Ale. Although it may be somewhat disconcerting to have youngsters boisterously singing "Bring me good ale!", the upbeat and celebratory tune sets the tone for this fine holiday offering. As the young singers move into Rutter's Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind, the ambiance becomes much moodier, and you can almost feel the cutting winter wind whipping through Timmins. The final Rutter number, Here We Come A-Wassailing, is a natural fit for these young voices; you can just picture the children moving up and down the snowy streets, wassailing with natural joy and energy.

As for popular numbers, Christmas Is presents a wonderful solo by featured guest artist Kevin Closs, and when the Timmins Youth Singers do The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, the sentiment rings entirely true. The short, but fun, Jingle Bells almost explodes with cheeriness; the young singers' enthusiasm permeates every note.

I Remember December ends on another high note (literally). Guest performer Patricia O'Callaghan (a former member of the Timmins Youth Singers) possesses a crystalline soprano voice and joins with Kevin Closs on the title number. Their voices form a lovely blend on this bittersweet tale of holiday memories. It should be noted, too, that O'Callaghan does a masterful job on the prior cut, singing a gorgeous soprano solo on O Holy Night/Cantique De Noel.

Considering that these immature voices are relatively untrained, the Timmins Youth Singers demonstrate a surprisingly even musicianship throughout. Timmins, the hometown of Shania Twain ("Timmins' Singing Sweetheart"), obviously must have music magic in the water. After all, Timmins (in northern Ontario) is not a major metropolitan area (population about 43,000); supporting a quality vocal ensemble like this one in such a setting is no small feat. In fact, in recent times, the Timmins Concert Singers have gone on sabbatical, although their web site and their conductor remain quite active. The group already leaves a substantial legacy of music (A Christmas Legacy and Scenes From A Dream, both also reviewed on this site) for their many fans throughout North America.

If you are looking for a well-balanced set of memorable holiday songs presented by a talented youth choir, you have found the right CD. You will remember to put I Remember December on your audio system each December year after year after year.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2003)

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From the liner notes:

Sopranos: Lisa Ainsworth, Melanie Boisvert, Jennifer Bronson, Jennifer Boyd, Maggie Farrington, Andree-Anne Guenette, Susanne Mavor, Sofi Paananen, Stefanie Purificati, Maren Rescorla, Samantha Ristimaki, Aileen Roy, Tarra Scott, Tammy Shubat, Maghan Stewart

Altos: Karen Archer, Robin Boissonneault, Sylvain Boissonneault, Heather Boyd, Larissa Cheung, Marna Boyd, Louisa Fiorino, Andrea Francq, Jesse Hardy, Ginette Hebert, Sharon Lively, Tiffany Martin, Peter McNestry, Deborah Moore, Kari Ann Mracek, Nadine Nickner, Adele Rodrique, Brianne Roy, Marla Simunovic, Annie Turcotte

Tenors: Christopher Beall, Guy Boileau, Beaugart Humphreys, Matthew Humphreys, Joel Larcher, Ryan Mracek, Stephane Pronovost, Philip Smith, Eric Veillette

Basses: Peter Colbert, Mark Fielding, Henry Liu, David Olds, Derek Simunovic

Like most successful music teachers, Rosanne Simunovic's career is defined as much by the success of her students as by her own personal achievements. Both of the featured performers on I Remember December are former students. Ms. Simunovic is the founder and conductor of the Timmins Concert Singers (formerly the Timmins Youth Singers) and a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

Patricia O'Callaghan has been described as "the most promising cabaret performer of her generation" by Billboard magazine. She has gained prominence in Canada as a cabaret singer and has enjoyed success as a recording artist on the Teldec and Atlantic labels.

Kevin Closs is a well-known singer and songwriter from Manitoulin Island living in Northern Ontario.

Both Ms. O'Callaghan and Mr. Closs are former members of the Timmins Youth Singers.

conducted by Rosanne Simunovic Timmins Youth Singers

I Remember December

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Track List