Christmas with the Kokanee Singers is a caroling bonanza.
Members of the local choir, led by operatic tenor Paul Moore, have been spreading the joy by performing all over the North Okanagan recently.
Events have included the Santa Claus Parade in Enderby, Triumph Coffee House in Vernon, and at residential care facilities such as Heaton Place in Armstrong as well as Vernon’s Polson Residential Care and Noric House.
The choir is also giving two traditional Christmas favourites concerts in Armstrong and Vernon this week, and will culminate the season performing at Silver Star Mountain Resort’s parade and fireworks on Christmas Eve.
Members of Kokanee Singers recently spoke about what the holiday season means to them. Here are some of their thoughts:
“Embrace the spirit of the holidays. Roll up your sleeves and go do some good in your neighbourhood.”
“Help a stranger or a family member who needs a hand.”
“Spread some joy!”
Singing is another favourite holiday past-time for Kokanee member Jay LaFlamme, who joined the choir more than a year ago.
“A regular study of music is one of the loveliest ways to bring joy to your own life and spread it through song to your whole community,” said LaFlamme. “There is no better feeling than when your audience is inspired to join you in song.”
The choir has lovingly trilled Silent Night over and over so everyone can sing along, he added.
“This is the meaning of the holiday season for me: joining together to remember how much we have to be grateful for and accepting that we are all a big family each with our own trials and tribulations who can all stop for a moment and join together in a song of thanks and appreciation for all that is good in us. “
The traditional Paul Moore Christmas Favourites concert features Moore, the Kokanee Singers, Inspirati Chorale, soloists and accompanist Mabel Thibault.
The program consists of holiday classics from different centuries and cultures including Silent Night, Ave Maria, Joy to the World, Panis Angelicus, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and many others.
The audience is encouraged to sing along.
“Anyone who has ever wanted to learn to sing or just sing more should come and try out for the choir in the new year,” said LaFlamme. “It is wonderful addition to life to make joyful sound. Performing at our concerts is a big highlight of being in the choir. Please join us as we celebrate the holiday season.”
The concerts take place Wednesday at Armstrong’s Zion United Church, 2315 Pleasant Valley Blvd., and Friday at Vernon’s Knox Presbyterian Church, 3701 32nd Ave. Both start at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and free for children 12 and under, available at the Ticket Seller (250-549-7469 www.ticketseller.ca), or at the door.
