RCA Band salutes Christmas season

Die-hard enthusiasts of the Royal Canadian Artillery Band’s annual A Christmas Wish concert will be watching with particular interest this year as it springs into action Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Winspear Centre.

Six months ago Capt. Eric Gagnon stepped in as the RCA’s new director of music and he’s taking a new direction.

“My predecessor was more commercial. I’m a more classically trained musician and I’m doing a more traditional repertoire,” says Gagnon, who has been at this post since June.

With a full complement of 26 brass and reeds, and four pipes and drums, there was no reason not to perform various movements from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

“In a way I like to challenge my musicians and I choose pieces that will do that and build morale. And in the selections I have chosen, a lot of people will have solos. We are even going to have a bassoon.”

To add more colour and texture, the Air Command Band is supplying four woodwinds and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment is joining them with oboe, clarinet and sax.

This concert is more than a show of support for the troops. It is also a fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Alberta, a charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Radio personality Rob Christie, a long-time supporter of the foundation, will host the event. And vocalists Christian Mena and Kelly Alanna will sing several Christmas songs including David Foster’s composition The Prayer, popularized as a duet by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

To put everyone in the Christmas spirit, the RCA band performs two Leroy Anderson numbers — Christmas Festival and Sleigh Ride. And in a special holiday moment, Warrant Officer Norman Depoe recites ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

“Norman has the perfect voice, a deep sound,” Gagnon says.

Additional special guests Richard Eaton Singers sing the sacred O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing along with an a cappella version of the beauteous O Magnum Mysterium.

“The main reason for this concert is the cause. But I want people to enjoy themselves for two hours and get into the Christmas mood and realize how good the band is. I really want to be a reference point as far as concert bands go. It’s always important to challenge musicians to a high standard while entertaining audiences.”