Chorus Niagara Does It Again

Well, they’ve done it again, although less intentionally this time. During a fundraising concert at the site of the original flash mob video in Welland’s Seaway Mall, Chorus Niagara was part of another momentous occasion – but this time, they were just as surprised as the onlookers.

While singing Queen’s “Somebody to Love”, one of the soloists was singing her part of the song when - out of nowhere - her boyfriend came up beside her, grabbed another microphone and started singing “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You,” ending with, “Sarah Dee, will you marry me?”

The timing of this video featuring Chorus Niagara is impeccable with our re-airing of our “Arts and Culture” episode this week, in which we talk to the people behind the making of the now-famous “Hallelujah Flash Mob” video that has been seen over 30 million times and features the amazing vocal talents of many in the Chorus Niagara group.

Hearing first-hand from those working in the food court and from one of the singers who was part of the surprise “Hallelujah Chorus”, gave a whole new layer of meaning to the concept of flash mob. And it gave life to the experience of surprise and the effect that one classic piece of choral music had on a group of mid-day Christmas shoppers, and eventually, the world.

In our “Arts and Culture” episode, Context with Lorna Dueck is taking a look at the power of art – whether it be music, graffiti, photographs, and perhaps, even a marriage proposal? How it affects us, moves us to emotions we didn’t realize we were capable of, sometimes surprising us with tears, or smiles.

Having taken two art history classes in university, I can easily recognize famous works of art, historic structures, churches and mosques around the world, and yet the art forms that move me most are music and photography. Seeing a powerful image sometimes has my jaw dropping open, leaving me in breathless wonder, I almost giggle in amazement. Alternately, music can pierce through just about any emotion I’m experiencing, speaking to my very soul. It’s a prevailing force when art takes over, leaving you on the other side a changed person.

There’s no question, art IS powerful - in its many forms. And it can offer reminders of the many ways God is working around us every day. Take some time today to stop and notice the works of art all around you, in whatever shape or form they may be. You’ll be glad you did.

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Beth is a Production Assistant for Context with Lorna Dueck