With seven babies born to choir members in the last two years, Les Echos du Pacifique conductor Luke Mayba had an idea for the French group's next show - sing to the wee ones.
That's the impetus behind its latest concert, Ballades, berceuses et la Bastringue (Ballads, lullabies and folk songs), to be held on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (828 Laval Sq., Coquitlam).
"Music is really a great soothing tool," said Mayba, who became a father for the first time to son, Felix, nearly one year ago. "I sing to my own son in my arms and it really seems to calm him and put him to sleep."
Mayba has been a member of the Les Echos du Pacifique choir for 10 years and has served as its conductor the last two years.
The idea for the latest recital was spawned out of... well, the spawning that took place recently among choir members.
Six of the seven who became new parents in the last couple years are currently on maternity leave, with Mayba the other remaining 'newbie' still waving the conductor wand in what is now a choir of 21 vocalists.
"We've always had lullabies in our repertoire that we haven't performed," Mayba said. "Choral music has always been my favourite. You bring an instrument wherever you go and just sing."
The April 30 concert will also feature a couple robust Quebec folk songs near the end because, as Mayba laughs, "we don't want the audience to fall asleep."
Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and children 12 and under are free. Call 604-266-4699 or visit www.lesechosdupacifique.com.
lpruner@tricitynews.com
