MOOSE JAW — With Christmas just around the corner, the 15 talented women of the Heritage Singers Choir are busy decking the halls with harmonies as they prepare to spread a little holiday cheer at this year’s much-anticipated Christmas concert and you’re invited to join in the celebration.
The choir’s annual concert will be held at Jones Chapel and begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.
“We practice weekly and then the ladies prepare themselves for the (Christmas) concert,” announced Brenda Johnson, director of the Heritage Singers choir.
“I pick a selection of music that’s fun, and (then) a little bit more serious Christmas stuff that tells the story of Christmas,” she explained. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years (and) it’s been a real blast.”
The annual Heritage Singers Christmas concert was traditionally held at Central Lutheran Church but will switch to a smaller venue this year as the 15-person choir doesn’t require a lot of space.
After a lighthearted suggestion by choir president Heather Shepherd during practice one night, the choir explored the venue at Jones Chapel and found it to be the perfect size.
For some added Christmas cheer, Johnson will festively decorate the chapel as it assumes a new role for the day.
“I was just thrilled because now we have a beautiful place to go,” she said. “I’m going to take decorations, put up garland, and I have a little tree I’m going to take and decorate for Christmas. It’s going to be just perfect.”
The concert will feature a lineup of 15 songs with intermissions. The Heritage Singers perform in two- and three-part harmonies with a blend of soprano, descant (a higher soprano harmony), and alto sections. Occasionally, the altos divide into two parts to add richness to the harmony.
Wanda Reid will return as the accompanist and Johnson described her as “a wonderful piano player.” As well, flutist Lori Peters will perform Stars in the Night.
The concert will feature a delightful mix of festive and seasonal songs reminiscent of the holidays. Highlights include the upbeat anthem It’s Time to Celebrate Christmas, which showcases rich harmonies between the altos and sopranos.
Audiences will also enjoy playful pieces including I Should Have Been an Elf, a humorous take on women’s experiences during the holiday hustle, and A Perfect Christmas Night, a jazzy tune brimming with holiday cheer.
Classics such as Mistletoe and Holly, inspired by Frank Sinatra’s smooth style, will run alongside lively numbers including Winter Sleigh Ride which brings a touch of nostalgia.
To engage the audience and have a little fun, Johnson will guide the audience through some familiar Christmas carol sing-alongs during intermission including Silent Night, Away in a Manger, and other classics.
Leading up to the concert, the choir will perform at three retirement homes over two days. On Monday, Dec. 2, the ladies choir will perform at Chateau St. Michael in the morning and West Park Crossing in the afternoon. On Thursday, Dec. 5, the choir will make one final stop at The Bentley for an evening performance.
If you’re interested in joining the ladies choir, the Heritage Singers would be happy to accept new memberships. For more information contact Johnson at 306-631-8095.
Admission for the concert is a modest $5 per person and is payable at the door. For any further questions please contact Brenda Johnson at 306-631-8095.
Jones Chapel is located within the W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home at 474 Hochelaga Street West.
