“We were both captivated by the music and drama that Pandora’s Vox brought to the Sinfonia concert last week. The amazing variety of the selections took us to new aspects of voice, rhythm and sound which were at the same time intriguing and challenging. The costumes and movements extended our appreciation of the creativity and depth of thought that goes on long before you perform before an audience It was interesting for me to have had the introduction of the rehearsal at (West Vancouver United Church), for I had come along to prepare the refreshments and found myself being refreshed instead! I haven’t seen a Vox performance for a few years and was pleased to see the addition of some new, young faces – what a wonderful way to continue the tradition of the group that always has a fresh approach to each rendition! Congratulations for a fine performance!”
— Liz & Strachan Birnie
“Outstanding!”
— Ann Wood
“WONDERFUL WONDERFUL SHOW!! Thank you so so much for a fantastic experience!! I really appreciate the passion and love, not to mention, expertise you each bring to us! Shine on!”
— Siobhan
“I have been attending Pandora's Vox concerts since the group's inception over 20 years ago and am constantly impressed by their professionalism, musicality and ability to entertain in such a variety of ways. Their contribution to Society in the form of innumerable charitable performances in aid of various organizations is noteworthy and they are a great asset to the culture of the North Shore in particular.”
— A Lifelong Fan
“What a delightful concert yesterday. I caught the matinee. Really 'jolly' start. Couldn't believe you've been doing the VOX for 20 years!!! & Espiritu for 7. Wow! Yes indeed time does seem to speed up as we age...though of course you don't seem to be aging at all...you still (and likely always will have) that same high, intense energy and off beat humor. Gillian you are amazing with all your talent and how you put together such unique concerts every year. This one seemed particularly fun and relaxed. Really nice mix of songs. The slideshow was fun to see. Thx. for the gift of music and I look forward to cracking my new VOX CD.”
— Valerie McNicol
“I have attended the Espiritu Christmas concerts for two years and plan to attend for many more to come. It is a unqiue holiday experience that combines humour, heart and talented voices. A must see!"
— Rowena Anderson, CFRE
“My friend and I attended the Espiritu/Pandora’s Vox Christmas concert and were blown away by the variety and creativity of the program, the quality of the mixed voices, everyone’s energy… Wow! Every piece was different and presented its own challenges I’m sure because of the actions/acting that go with them but all were handled beautifully. We loved the Africa song…I can still hear the “rain”…Thank you for a wonderful performance. We will be back for more!”
— Alma McDonald
“The Espiritu Vocal Ensemble Christmas performance has become a yearly tradition in our family that enlivens our holiday spirit.”
— Vanessa Wellington-Clark
“On a business trip to Vancouver I was able to take the opportunity, with a friend, to attend the December {Pandora’s Vox and} Espiritu Vocal Ensemble Concert. After two days of meetings I found it to be the most exhilarating while at the same time relaxing evening. Everything, from location, presentation, costumes to quality of music was outstanding. I have a number of favourite moments during the evening…It still gives me goose bumps when I think about the performance!”
— Lorraine Grant
“Thank you for an outstanding evening. Worth it at twice the price”
— Graeme Smith
“I hugely enjoyed th performance. What a wonderful presentation. (I found you in every piece in spite of the change in hairdos!)... thanks so much for the invitation”
— Elizabeth Smith
“I just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the Pandora's Vox concert in early December. [The concert] was outstanding with some wonderful references to the upcoming excitement as Vancouver prepares to entertain the world in the 2010 Olympics. Over the 20 something years that we have been coming to Vox concerts we are constantly amazed at the never ending imagination that Gillian and the rest of you bring to your shows. You guys aren't just a talented choral group that sing a wide variety of songs from all kinds of genres, you are a completely entertaining show, forever pulling wonderful musical rabbits out of unusually shaped hats. And, as you can tell from the sell out shows, we are not the only people who think so...Congratulations, it was a wonderful way to start off our Christmas season. Best wishes and we look forward to seeing and hearing your next potpourri of delight!”
— Chris and Gina
“A quick note to thank you for including me in your mailout about Pandora's Vox and Espiritu - I am now a committed fan, as are my two friends! We enjoyed the show immensely and would like to be kept in the loop on future shows…[we] thought we'd like to take in a show at least once a year…watching everyone on stage on Friday made me so wish I had had a decent voice and could have participated in something like this. Ah, well, my next life...”
— Roz I.
“I just wanted to let you know how much my friends and I enjoyed the concert on Friday evening. One of the ladies with me has been attending your annual affair for 8 or 9 years and she still can't get over how the concert is better each and every year.”
— Anne P.
“What a wonderful show the Vox and Espiritu put on last night. We loved it all. The choreography was spectacular. It's hard to believe that you're not professionals doing this all the time. It speaks highly of the dedication and hard work everyone puts into it. After three heavy shows in two days you all must be exhausted but also highly exhilarated…Bought the latest Vox CD and are enjoying…”
— Beverley & Bob P.
“Just to say how much I enjoyed Pandora’s Vox at Kay Meek yesterday…”
— Daphne C.
"I have been wanting to say a big THANK YOU for the copy of Invoxxication that you gave us. It is a truly remarkable recording. When I first listened to it, I had to go right away to the CD sleeve to see where you had recorded it. The sound (and therefore the technical production especially considering it is a church and not a studio) is superb. And the voices, musicianship, selection of music and arrangements is first rate. The CD is truly worthy of the ensemble's 20th anniversary. It is getting a lot of air time at our house."
— Willa H.
“Espiritu’s Christmas concert single handedly pulled me out of the holiday blues. Both my daughter and I loved the performance. Uplifting is an understatement!”
— Vanessa W. and Cordelia P.
“Thank you for your Espiritu/Pandora’s Vox Christmas concert which I thoroughly enjoyed ... It was a perfect mixture of seasonal and regular music which I felt showcased your abilities both technical and performance wise. I attended the concert with my two small children and was pleased to see that the music was appreciated by all age groups.”
— Helen H.
Founder/Director
Photos: Jim Colbert and Victor Dezso
