Changed For the Better

CONDUCTOR/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Marta McCarthy

ACCOMPANIST: Betty Maher

CO-CONDUCTORS: Lanny Fleming & Kelly Janzen

PERFORMERS: University of Guelph Symphonic Choir

SPECIAL GUESTS: Guelph Chamber Orchestra & Dr. Aaron Manswell, composer & pianist

Saturday, November 22, 2025

8 - 9:30p.m.

Harcourt Community Hub (at Harcourt United Church)

87 Dean Avenue, Guelph, Ontario

TICKETS:

$25 Adult

$20 Senior

$10 UG Students & Youth (everyone must have a ticket)

FEATURING:

Instrument of Your Peace by Barrie Cabena

Take What You Need by Reena Esmail

ADD YOUR VOICE: Audience invited to make dedications and to sing!

Changed for the better is more than a concert: in addition to the time-honoured role of audience member, each listener is also invited to honour someone they love in a special ceremonial act of remembrance, and, if they so choose, to join the chorus in singing the moving refrain of Take What You Need by Reena Esmail. The composer describes her music as "a warm, safe, equitable space, where musicians and community can connect with one another, where stories can come forward, and where the foundations of a relationship can be built and nurtured.” For University of Guelph Symphonic Choir, Take What You Need has emerged as a place to share memories of treasured friendships with those who have impacted our lives “for the better”, as well as to share the grief of their passing.

Additionally, Guelph composer Barrie Cabena (1933-2025) will be remembered through his sublime setting of Prayer of St. Francis, and Dr. Aaron Manswell will be welcomed to the music faculty of the University of Guelph. The choir's performance of Manswell's Poverty and Stick With Love will complement the theme of "those who sow love", while For Good (from Wicked) will complete the thematic circle of Changed For the Better.

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