Walk into a Guelph Chamber Choir concert, and chances are you’ll feel something extra in the air—something warm, welcoming, and just a little bit magical. That “something” might just be Barb Friend.
What began as a simple love for singing at Harcourt United Church blossomed into a deeply rooted commitment to an organization that has grown and evolved with its community. In this feature, we sit down with Barb to trace her journey as one of the founding members of the Friends of the GCC. Her story is one of transformation—not just of a person, but of an entire organization adapting, surviving, and thriving in the ever-changing landscape of the arts.
Barb was initially drawn to the Guelph Chamber Choir through her involvement with Harcourt United Church after moving to Guelph in 1991. As a singer in the church choir, she connected with Gerald Neufeld, GCC founding artistic director, and Patricia Neufeld, long-time GCC administrator, and began performing at GCC concerts. Her deeper involvement began when she was invited to join the board in 2009, an experience she initially resisted but later found deeply rewarding.
Over time, she’s witnessed significant progress in the choir’s community impact and artistic direction. One of the most transformative developments was the formation of the Friends of the Guelph Chamber Choir, a group Barb considers crucial to the choir’s sustainability. She’s also seen a shift in the choir’s presentation—moving beyond traditional concerts to creating memorable experiences through ambiance, decor, and inclusive themes, all of which have helped attract a younger, more diverse audience.
Some of Barb’s most memorable experiences include her time on the board and the formation of the Friends of the GCC. Her involvement in event coordination and decor has been a source of joy and creativity. She fondly recalls her work on events like the Halloween Gala at Dublin Church (part of the 2023/2024 season) where the gothic setting and detailed decorations created a lasting impression.
She also played a key role in the choir’s 40th anniversary celebrations, contributing to initiatives like the design of a new logo. Her leadership in coordinating front-of-house logistics, decor, and even refreshments (like the memorable charcuterie snack cups at our Scoundrel & Scallywags concert this season) has helped foster a welcoming and immersive concert atmosphere. The evolution of choir dynamics, especially the shift to a younger group of singers and the addition of emerging artists and youth partnerships, has also stood out to her as a positive and necessary change.
Barb envisions a vibrant future for the Guelph Chamber Choir—one rooted in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity. She hopes to see the choir continue expanding its musical repertoire and attracting younger audiences by creating engaging concert experiences.
Key to that future, she believes, are partnerships with youth choirs and emerging artists. She also emphasizes the importance of collective advocacy from board members, choir members, and the Friends group to secure funding and community support. With Charlene’s creative leadership as the artistic director, and a united community behind it, Barb is confident the choir will continue to thrive and remain a cornerstone of Guelph’s cultural identity.
Thank you for being a Friend, Barb!
