Last summer, while waiting for heart surgery, I whiled away the time as best I could. In August, I was visiting friends where I met Katharina Urbschat and learned that she led a group of singers called the Local Vocals. I asked if I could join and she said yes. I really have enjoyed my time with the group. Katharina has an amazing knack for getting us to produce beautiful sounds. I find that getting together for an hour each Wednesday afternoon at St. Michael’s Anglican Church in Sillery gets me out of myself and transports me to another world filled with harmonies and good cheer.

In that hour, I am not the Ann who is taking numerous medical tests, nor the Ann who is in recovery from major surgery. I am a voice, along with a diaphragm and lungs all combining with those of other souls to create lovely songs.

The Local Vocals don’t perform for the public (or rarely) so there’s no performance stress. The group originates with the Voice of English-Speaking Québec (VEQ).

The sessions go from September to the end of June.

I hope to continue, for it really is a wonderful activity.

Ann Cochrane

Quebec City