We are closing in on the Christmas season, though our fabulous weather – as of this writing – might have you believing otherwise. Not that that was true in early October. What did we get? Three feet of white stuff?
But we really are into the season for real when Borealis Chamber Choir presents their Service of Lessons and Carols.
Many people have been heard to say that Christmas really begins for them with this event, and this year will be no different, I’m sure. The service happens in the Lutheran Church, up on Second Avenue, and this year the date is Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3:30 pm.
The service is based on a very old ritual from the Church of England and the Borealis Chamber Choir is quite faithful to the old liturgy in their presentation. Nine readings or passages from the Christian Holy Bible, which tell the story of the birth of Jesus, are interspersed with hymns and carols that reinforce the themes of birth, joy and rebirth.
There is also room for audience participation with those in attendance being invited to sing the more well-known Christmas carols along with the choir.
Borealis Chamber Choir describes themselves as “a group of musical friends who enjoy singing together and exploring a wide range of choral repertoire.” They feel that they strengthen choral music in the North by mentoring young singers and by developing the vocal and music reading skills of the Flin Flon Community Choir.
They have been performing since 2003 in
Flin Flon and in collaboration with their sister choir, Aurora, in The Pas. They have learned and performed over 100 choral pieces, including five original works/arrangements written just for them.
From their traditional entrance to “Once in Royal David’s City,” which usually begins with a solo voice to the triumphant refrain of, “Oh come, let us adore Him” from “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful,” this will be a delight to hear.
There is no cost for this event, but it is a major opportunity to give to the Lord’s Bounty Food Bank, which, as you may know, lost their home to fire earlier this winter. Luckily they have a temporary home but they need food and cash donations more than ever at this time of year. Please bring non-perishable food items and a generous donation with you to A Service of Lessons and Carols.
On Friday, Dec. 2 the Central Canada Film Group presents Spy in Colin Davis’s “Great Movies You May Have Missed” series. It will be shown in the Dorothy Ash Theatre at Hapnot Collegiate at 7:30 pm. This is a terrific opportunity for a fun evening out and we really must thank Colin for all of the work he puts into this series.
Lastly (for this week), did you see the tremendous play The (Almost) Totally True Story of Hansel and Gretel, presented by Ham Sandwich Theatre at the RH Channing Auditorium last week? Weren’t the kids particularly wonderful? Well, if you have ever thought, “I can do that, I can do that” (with apologies to A Chorus Line), now is your chance.
Auditions for the next Ham Sandwich theatre production are being held on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 pm at the Flin Flon Community Hall. The play is The Dixie Swim Club and there are five parts, all women (sorry, menfolk, but you can certainly volunteer to help out with the production). Rehearsals will begin
Jan. 17 and the show must go on March 17 and 18, 2017.
Next column: The Flin Flon Community Choir Christmas Show (with Jennifer Hanson).
