World-savvy Kulshan Chorus performs Dec. 12

People who have attended a Kulshan Chorus concert are probably familiar with the 90-member group’s repertoire of songs of peace and justice from around the world.

Their next concert, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Bellingham High School, is no different. Dustin Willetts, chorus director, says the concert is a family-friendly celebration of winter and the holiday season, with songs sung almost entirely in English.

Most concerts this time of year avoid having too much of a holiday theme for fear of offending some people, he says.

“However I’ve learned that a part of what Kulshan Chorus believes in is to embrace all celebrations and to celebrate all traditions,” he says. “ If the music is written well, and we have the ability to speak to someone through a particular piece, you’d better believe we will share it.”

“I choose to be in community with Kulshan Chorus because of its core values,” he says. “Music has the power to heal and augment in dark times. Kulshan Chorus gets that.”

There’s more to the chorus than its concerts in Bellingham. Since 2005, chorus members have traveled to villages and towns in Ecuador, France, Switzerland, Romania and Costa Rica, performing with choirs and musicians in those countries.

In June, members will travel to Croatia and Slovenia under the auspices of Experience International, with chorus member Charlie Walkinshaw planning the itinerary.

“We will sing in both rural non-tourist areas, including seaside towns, a logging community ravaged during the war, in churches, and in castles, sharing the gift of music with marginalized communities, as well as in towns that have high tourism, sharing the gift of music with both the local as well as international audiences,” Walkinshaw says.

About 60 people have signed up for the trip so far, including well-known Bellingham musicians Paul Klein and Geof Morgan. Walkinshaw says the chorus won’t limit the numbers of singers, partners, spouses, kids, or fans, if they sign up for the trip before the end of January.

“We encourage new singers to join Kulshan Chorus in January, especially basses and baritones, and then join us on the trip,” he says

The cost is $2,700 per person, plus airfare and travel insurance. The cost covers local transportation, guides, most meals, lodging, and entrance fees, Walkinshaw says.

Sonja Lee, board president since 2008, began singing with the chorus in 2001. She says the chorus, thanks to its international travels, has created connections through music that transcend language and culture.

“When I joined the chorus, it felt as if I had finally found my ‘people,’” she says, “as the chorus is filled with folks from all walks of life — different ages, faiths, ethnic groups, genders and histories, but all with a passion for music and a desire to make the world a better place through song.”

This story was originally published December 9, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "World-savvy Kulshan Chorus performs Dec. 12."