Nothing sounds more like Christmas than a choir singing carols.
Choral music fans in New Westminster and Burnaby have a plethora of options to choose from this holiday season. We’ve rounded them up here in one handy list so you don’t miss any seasonal highlights.
If you want to attend, be sure to hustle to buy your tickets; Christmas concerts are always popular, and you don’t want to be left out in the cold.
Saturday, Dec. 3
Rainbow Chorus: This one’s not a formal concert but a sing-along, so warm up your pipes and get ready to kick off the season in style. Join the Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster for its first Seasonal Sing-along, 3 p.m. at The Sanctuary on Sixth (Queens Avenue United Church), 529 Queens Avenue, at Sixth Street. It’s a chance to share the joy of the season and is free to all who would like to join in.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir: The Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir, a diverse, 60-voice auditioned choir, presents Holly, Jolly Christmas, 2:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave., New Westminster). The choir will be joined by Winter Harp in a performance that includes both separate and combined musical numbers. Find more information at vancouverchoir.ca or buy tickets through ticketsnw.ca.
Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10
Amabilis Singers: This 60-voice auditioned community choir presents Voces Angelorum at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Artistic director Frank Lee and pianist Ingrid Verseveldt lead the choir in a program of music from traditional to contemporary, featuring harpist Dr. Elizabeth Volpé Bligh and instrumentalist Elliot Lo (percussion/guitar). They will be joined by two special guest choirs: Burnaby Central Chamber Choir (Friday) and St. Thomas More Collegiate Chamber Singers (Saturday). Tickets $25; free for children 12 and under. Book via Eventbrite.ca or find more information at www.amabilissingers.org.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Carols and Bells: This one has both voices and handbells. You can enjoy the 23rd annual Christmas concert at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave. The performance features five handbell choirs of all ages: Sound Wave, from Burnaby; Sacred Bronze, from Maple Ridge; White Rock Christian Handbell Choir; Memorial Bell Ringers; and a newly formed children’s handbell choir (ages seven to 14). Also performing will be the Rainbow Chorus of New Westminster, the Queens Avenue United Church Choir, and organist Rachel Alflatt. Tickets $20 general admission; $15 students/seniors; $10 children (plus fees) via Eventbrite.ca or call 604-522-1606.
Sunday, Dec. 11
Holy Trinity Cathedral: New Westminster’s downtown cathedral presents its annual concert featuring the Cathedral Choir and the Royal New Westminster Regimental Band in a program of seasonal favourites, old and new. The program includes choir carols from around the world and joyful selections from the band. It's at 3 p.m. at the cathedral, 514 Carnarvon St. Admission is by donation to church programs, and the doors open at 2:30 p.m. Info: 604-521-2511.
Phoenix Chamber Choir: Join the renowned ensemble for its Christmas Around the World concert, 3 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave., with special guests the Pacific Academy Choir. The program features seasonal choral music, mixed with music and readings from authors and composers around the world. Tickets are $35 regular, $25 students/seniors, $15 youth, with a limited number of reduced-cost $10 tickets available; buy online or at the door (cash or card). Bring a donation of a children’s, men’s and women’s socks, other winter accessory, or personal hygiene item for First United Church Community Ministry Society and Atira Women’s Resource Society (and use the code SOCKS2022 at checkout for 10 per cent off).
Saturday, Dec. 17
Vancouver Cantata Singers: The Vancouver Cantata Singers return to New Westminster for one of the highlights of the Metro Vancouver choral calendar: their 19th Christmas Reprise, featuring traditional carols and contemporary Christmas compositions for unaccompanied choir, 7:30 p.m. at Queens Avenue United Church, 529 Queens Ave. Tickets $10 to $35; book through www.vancouvercantatasingers.com.
Coastal Sound Youth Choir: Join Coastal Sound’s youth ensemble for Into the Morning, 7:30 p.m. at New Westminster Christian Reformed Church, 8255 13th Ave., Burnaby. Conductor Will de Sousa and pianist Krista Pederson lead the choir on a wintry journey through the night: from festive gatherings in the evening, to listening to rainfall, finally waking up to the simple beauty of a sparkling frosty morning sunrise. The choir will be joined by special guests from Argyle Secondary School. Buy tickets online.
Sunday, Dec. 18
Maple Leaf Singers: The Maple Leaf Singers, a 50-voice show chorus, presents its Christmas show from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion, 6871 Roberts St., Burnaby. Tickets are $10, and you can also enjoy a bake sale (cash only). Email info@mapleleafsingers.com or see more information online.
Got any other choir concerts to add to the list? Email reporter Julie MacLellan.
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, jmaclellan@newwestrecord.ca
