Last Updated: Wednesday - 01/05/2011

Local singers to launch WYD theme song

EDMONTON — Two young Albertans, along with a Toronto-based artist, will sing the theme song of World Youth Day 2002 when it is unveiled next month in Toronto.

Janelle Reinhart of Life-Vision Communications, a Radway-based ministry, and St‚phane Aubin, a student at Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts, will sing Lum¡Šre du Monde, the French version of Light of the World, the WYD theme.

Father Robert Lebel from Quebec composed the song, which will be launched officially on Jan. 10.

Reinhart and her group, that also includes WCR columnist John Connelly, knew that the song for WYD has been commissioned but they also thought they would try their luck.

They composed a song and submitted it to the organizers, who brought it to Rome as a back-up in case the commissioned one wouldn't pass inspection. The commissioned song was approved but Reinhart's voice wasn't forgotten when the organizers auditioned artists from all over Canada.

Not only were the organizers impressed with her voice, they also liked how she sang in French.

"They just heard my voice through the song that we submitted and they thought it was interesting because I am a francophone from Alberta," Reinhart told the WCR.

"I am honoured by this opportunity to represent Canada's youth," said the vibrant 21-year-old artist.

For Reinhart, this is a "real chance to be able to share God's message of hope with other young people."

Aubin performed at the Godiseum Rally during the WYD Pilgrim Cross's visit to Edmonton in November. That performance made an impression on Father Tom Rosica, national coordinator of WYD.

The two male artists originally slated to sing the song did not work out. Aubin's name came to the forefront upon the recommendation of Rosica.

"I am really fortunate to have this opportunity," Aubin said.

In the beginning, Aubin wasn't sure if it was a good idea to have two Albertans sing the French version.

"Are we going to upset people from Quebec? But then you have to wonder," Aubin said.

The 17-year-old jazz artist decided it would be an eye opener to others, because few people know there are francophones in this part of Canada.

"When we were singing we made the effort not to sing with an Albertan accent when we talk in French," said Aubin. "It was quite hard because we have that Alberta French."

"It is really a beautiful song, honestly it is truly inspirational," Aubin said. "The song has a very universal theme and sound to it and people can relate quite easily."

Lebel's theme song uses several phrases from sayings of Pope John Paul.

That each individual person needs to lend a hand is the central message of the song which is based on the WYD theme, You are the Salt of the Earth. . . . You are the Light of the World.

Jason Reinhart, Janelle's husband and manager, told the WCR that the producer of the song, Lance Anderson, said it has the ability to compete with Celine Dion's album.

The song, which can be categorized a ballad, has a variety of strings on it, a full band and full orchestra.

"It is a great opportunity to work with Father Tom Rosica, his staff — very good staff — and they picked an excellent producer for the project," Jason said.

Lance Anderson "has a really good feel of the music. He really brought it alive," said Jason, who plays bass guitar for Life-Vision Communications.

The two Alberta artists will also perform for the youth in Toronto in July.

Reinhart and Life-Visions Communications will have a chance to do catechesis at WYD and Reinhart will perform as a solo artist at the WYD Youth Festival.

"This is a great opportunity for our ministry as well," Reinhart said. In March, Life-Visions Communications will release Reinhart's album, which they hope to promote on the WYD website and at the gathering itself.

Aubin had originally planned to attend WYD as part of the delegation from his former school, Maurice-Lavall‚e, but due to this new commitment he will come as an entertainer.

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