One of the best ways to spread the Christmas cheer is with a good old-fashioned community sing-along and the St. Albert Ministerial Association Arden Sing once again offers a sparkling line-up of soloists, duets and choirs.
Held at the Arden Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 19 at 12:30 p.m., this popular non-denominational event was organized by five dedicated individuals: Laurianne Douville of St. Albert Catholic Parish, Nancy Chegus of St. Albert United Church, Pastor Dean Steele of Cornerstone Pentecostal, Pastor Connie Lee of Braeside Presbyterian and June Mann from the Christian Reformed Church.
“Last year we had nearly a full house,” says Lee describing the public’s 2009 response. This year organizers are hoping the 500-seat theatre will once again be filled to capacity.
The one-hour concert is divided into three parts with an audience sing-along and choir presentations interspersed with Mayor Nolan Crouse reading four nativity narratives from Matthew and Luke.
Pro Coro soprano Carol Kube will sing O Holy Night and lead the sing-along of sacred carols. “We are so glad someone with her talent and training is helping out.”
Two additional soloists are Mallory Ifi singing a medley of Away In a Manger and Ric Dees leading a round of congregational singing awash in eclectic carols. “He did that last year and it was very well received.”
Filling out the afternoon are several less familiar tunes with Cornerstone Children’s Choir performing A Strange Way to See the World, Sturgeon Valley Baptist Choir singing Every Light That Shines at Christmas and St. Albert Parish’s Celebration Singers belting out Holy Darkness. In a special presentation, June Mann and June Mann Band perform In the Fields.
“This is a way to show that Christmas can be celebrated as a community, not just as a family. A whole community are people from different walks of life who come together to talk about peace on earth and goodwill to men. Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?”
A silver collection is accepted at the door.
