The National Youth Choir of Canada is an ensemble of elite choral singers which convenes every two years, coinciding with Choral Canada’s biennial Podium conference. This May, the National Youth Choir will begin its residency in Edmonton with a one-week rehearsal period in preparation of its tour of Alberta. The 2016 ensemble will be under the direction of renowned choral conductor Michael Zaugg. Representatives are auditioned by each province and selected based on skill level and voice type. This year, PEI will represented by four singers: Lindsay Gillis (soprano), Alexandra Smith (alto), William Millington (tenor), and Parker Clements (baritone). This will be the first National Youth Choir experience for Gillis and Smith, while Clements and Millington are both returning alumni from the 2014 tour. As part of their fundraising initiative, PEI’s National Youth Choir participants will be presenting a recital at the Kirk of St. James on Saturday April 9 at 7:30 pm. The program will include quartets, chorales, and solo pieces, and will featuring works by Bach, Barber, Donizetti, Greer, Loewe, Mahler, Mozart, Oliver, and Ravel. The singers will be accompanied by Frances McBurnie and joined by special guest Hannah Rollwage (National Youth Choir Alumni 2014). Admission is by donation and all proceeds will go toward the choir’s tuition costs.