• BC Christian News • DECEMBER ISSUE 1998 • VOL. 18 #12 • Formerly "Christian Info News" •

Choirs at Christmas: the Christian connection
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By Cynthia Ashton

CHOIRS AND Christmas seem to go hand in hand -- we can't have one without the other. Jon Washburn, conductor of the Vancouver Chamber Choir, puts it this way: "Only voices can speak the words of poets and prophets in music. There is no other device more perfectly suited to the expression of our deepest feelings than the human voice. Choral singing is the ultimate team endeavor, and it combines language and thought, heightened by the expressive powers of music." Washburn acknowledges the "Christian connection" in choral music, which is at its strongest during the most popular Christian festival of the year.

Vancouver Chamber Choir

This Christmas season, VCC will be performing the final three cantatas from Bach's 'Christmas Oratorio,' with the Boston Pops Orchestra under conductor Keith Lockhart, at GM Place December 4. At UBC's Chan Centre December 12, the VCC will perform several selections from their CD, A World Christmas. Also on stage will be the Worldfest Ensemble and Juno Award winner, Ed Henderson, who appear with VCC on the CD. Actor Jackson Davies will also be there. Call (604) 738-6822.

Tallis Scholars

One of the brightest jewels in this sparkling Christmas season will be the Tallis Scholars Christmas Con-cert, presented by Early Music Vancouver at the Orpheum December 14. This superb English ensemble will perform Christmas music from the Renaissance, with works by Palestrina and Josquin. Call (604) 732-1610.

Vancouver Bach Choir

Also busy this Christmas is the Vancouver Bach Choir, which will perform Handel's 'Messiah' with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra December 18 and 19, and the 'Singalong Messiah' December 20. All are invited to join the singalong, celebrating with mince pies and eggnog in the lobby of the Orpheum Theatre. These concerts will be conducted by VBC music director Bruce Pullan, who will also conduct the popular 'Christmas with the Bach Choir' at the Orpheum December 13. The Vancouver Bach Youth Choir will appear in concert with Clyde Mitchell and the VSO at Pacific Academy December 17, and at Christ Church Cathedral December 18. Call (604) 921-8012.

Vancouver Cantata Singers

The Vancouver Cantata Singers, con-ducted by James Fankhauser, will feature seasonal gems in 'A Cantata Singers' Christmas' December 19. Call (604) 921-8588.

Musica Intima Choir

A concert of French Baroque Christmas Music will be given by the Musica Intima Choir and the Pacific Baroque Orchestra December 19 at St. Mark's Trinity Church, and December 21 at UBC School of Music Recital Hall. Call (604) 215-0406.

Chor Leoni Men's Choir

Chor Leoni Men's Choir, conducted by Diane Loomer, will sing local composer Rupert Lang's new setting of 'The Magnificat,' with mezzo soprano Mariateresa Magisano (1998 Metropolitan Opera Auditions winner), December 5 at Christ Church Cathedral and December 6 at the new Church of the Good Shepherd in White Rock. They will be joined by the Elektra Women's Choir, conducted by Loomer and Morna Edmundson, and members of the CBC Vancouver Orchestra. Call (604) 261-2670.

Handel Society Choir

The Handel Society Choir, conducted by music director John Louwersheimer, will give their traditional Christmas performance of Handel's 'Messiah' December 19 at Peace Portal Alliance Church in Surrey. Call (604) 597-8855.

Lyric Choirs of Surrey

The Lyric Choirs of Surrey, conducted by former VCC member Marjorie Boerema, will give a traditional Boar's Head Madrigal Dinner December 4 and 5 at Bethany Newton United Church. Call (604) 589-2180.