But as the women choristers packed their bags, then boarded a plane bound for the Russian Barbershop Festival in Saint Petersburg, little did they know just how much.

For 10 days in August, the 75 performers, accompanied by another 50 from Toronto’s Mega City male choristers, treated enthusiastic Russian audiences to the North American style of an art-form that boasts a sophistication beyond its humble, improvisational beginnings of the 1800s.

Through song and master classes, the Canadians, enjoying their first invitation to the annual festival, furthered the intense passion for barbershop singing among their Russian counterparts. Introducing their performance style to such devoted students was not just invigorating, but humbling, says Judy Comeau, chorus director of A Cappella Showcase.

“It was amazing. They loved it, they absolutely loved it. They have a really rich history and culture, such musical talent and ability.”

Fourteen months of rehearsal proceded the trip as the choristers prepared 10 individual pieces and two combination pieces with Mega City. Their official performances, along with informal a cappella moments on a scenic boat cruise and the one-on-one coaching sessions, charmed the Canadian contingent.

“We are more visual than they are; we use a lot more choreography.”

The result was tears, foot stomping and sheer joy, from their audiences.

“We turned to take a bow and the audience had their hands on their faces, tears streaming down,” says Comeau. “They were culturally elite audiences, musical educators, professional musicians... it was nothing we would ever have experienced in North America, just a totally unique experience.”

The music transcended all language barriers, says Comeau, whose group was urged to participate in the festival, and guided along the way, by festival founder and chief conductor Dr. Gregory Lyne.

“In consultation with Dr. Lyne, we discussed what groups had done in the past,” says Comeau.

Upbeat, lively, visually-entertaining tunes, along with traditional Canadian pieces were chosen.

The irony, says Comeau, was that although they themselves were the amateur singers, A Cappella and MegaCity were the ones put on the pedestal.

Being shown such adulation and acceptance fine-tuned for Comeau the direction she had always wanted A Cappella to take. “We were headed this way anyhow, but our standards are higher now. Our dedication and discipline are higher. We have to demand that of our own singers.”

In her 41 years of musical experience, Comeau says she has always wanted to teach the world to sing, “to quote the Coke song; now I want them to sing in perfect harmony.”

A Cappella, which also captured second place in the prestigious CBC Choral Competition in the Barbershop category’s debut, continues to search for new members. Its Christmas Sing begins Tuesday, Nov. 18, when newcomers are invited to learn a song with the chorus at no cost and with no audition.

A Cappella rehearses Tuesday at the St. Clair Masonic Hall on Regional Road 25 at 7 p. m. For more information, contact Marilyn Skowron at (905) 451-8601.