Simon says follow me in Just Singin'

Simon Leung

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For this weekend, and for at least the rest of the spring, the Medford Singers have become a Simon says operation.

A longtime Greater Victoria musical treasure with an international resume, Simon Leung has stepped into the gap created by the departure of Mike Simkins this fall, to direct the Medfords through their next two shows.

The second will be in the late spring. The first, simply titled Just Singin' happens Sunday.

Singer Elaine Jones said the title describes the show to a "T." There will be no real theme, just a lot of familiar Medford-style tunes, many of them celebrating highlights of past performances. On the bill are standbys like Singing in the Rain, New York, New York, Evita, and A Grand Night for Singing.

"Our choir general does standard music and Broadway songs. We're singing a lot of songs we know from way back in the past and Simon has brought us some new material," Jones said.

The choir got off to a slow start as it searched for a new director, but things sped up in a hurry, after Leung was approached by a handful of Medfords who had sung with him in a summer choir.

The group's promotional material describes him as one the outstanding figures of Victoria's rich musical world, playing major roles with the Newcombe singers, Hampton Orchestra, Sooke Community Choir, the West Coast Consort Chamber Orchestra and more.

As an added bonus, the audience will hear performances from the Medfords two bursary winners soprano Ashley Green and cellist Jacinta Green. Meanwhile,  cast members from the upcoming South Island Musical Society production of Oklahoma will perform some teasers from the show.

The show begins at the Duncan United Church at 1 p.m. Ticket are $15, children 12 and under free. Volume One at the church office. Call 250-746-5063 for information.