Youth Singers of Calgary celebrate 40th anniversary with Jubilee concert that includes 500 people singing onstage

Hundreds of past and present members of the Youth Singers of Calgary were onstage Saturday night at the Jubilee to celebrate the organization's 40th birthday.

The Youth Singers of Calgary celebrated a milestone Saturday at the Jubilee.

At one point in the performance, the organization’s 40th anniversary party, 500 people found their way onstage for a mass performance involving current members and many generations of alumni.

It’s estimated that since its inception, Youth Singers has influenced more than 10,000 young performers.

“For the youth, they have a safe place to come every week where their friends are,” said Youth Singers CEO Megan Emmett.

“They get to express themselves, sing, dance, have fun, and then they get to achieve something they almost don’t even notice how hard they’re working, but when they get on that stage and hear the applause, that confidence will give them skills they’ll carry with them their entire life.”

Emmet says it’s staggering to think about how many former members are now music teachers or choreographers helping to cultivate talent in Calgary.

“Youth Singers builds friendship,” said Emmett, in an April interview with CTV News. “It builds confidence, it builds experiences that go on to make sure that you always feel like you can take up space.

“You know your voice, you know you belong places and yeah -- if you have anyone interested in any kind of performing -- it is just a great way to build lifelong skills that give you confidence whatever career path you choose.”

With files from CTV News’ Darren Wright