Hundreds of music lovers enjoyed the annual Christmas concerts at Elmslie Memorial United Church this festive season with the theme of ‘Starlight and Wonder’ being beautifully brought to life by the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra.
The packed audience at the two concerts on 9 and 11 Dec. joined the choir to sing classic Christmas favourites such as ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘Away in a Manger’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, while performances from the choir and orchestra included several new pieces including ‘I Wonder as I Wander,’ ‘Brightest and Best’ and ‘Angels We have Heard on High.’
Christmas classics
No Elmslie Christmas concert would be complete without ‘O Holy Night’, which raised the rafters of the historic church.
The concert was expertly helmed by the musical trio of Melody Gifford, choir conductor and choral music director at Cayman International School, orchestra director Alina Makhina and Sue Horrocks, musical director for the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra.
Gifford said it was a tight rehearsal schedule as there were only five weeks to prepare the Christmas concert repertoire following the fall concert at the Harquail Theatre on 31 Oct.
“The choir also performs at the Pink Ladies Christmas Bazaar and Jasmine Light up a Life, so it’s a very busy season for us,” she said. “The choir and orchestra members work really hard to prepare the best concert we can and we love sharing our music with the community. It is especially enjoyable to have the audience stand and sing along with us on the familiar carols.”
The Christmas concerts at Elmslie are a firm fixture on the festive calendar tradition for many, which means some difficult choices when it comes to choosing the concert programme.
“We want the music to be relatable and enjoyable for our audience and also take them on a musical journey through a theme,” said Gifford. “I really loved our theme of Starlight and Wonder which really captures the magical spirit of the Christmas season and goes along with our year-long theme of light throughout the year.”
After a short break over Christmas, the choir will start rehearsing for its Spring concert, titled ‘Dawn and Awakening’, when it meets again in the New Year.
New members to the choir and orchestra are always welcome. Choir rehearsals take place every Monday from 7:30-9pm. No audition is required and all voices welcome. Orchestra rehearsals take place every Wednesday from 7:30-9pm.
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