Six choirs, from Kelowna to Oliver, are coming together this weekend in Penticton for a celebration of voice as a musical instrument.
This is the sixth year for the Choral Extravaganza concert at the Penticton United Church, this year on Nov. 19, starting at 2 p.m.
Each choir sings three songs, before winding up the afternoon by taking advantage of the church’s space to gather en masse for another three songs.
“It is phenomenal. It is just gorgeous,” said spokesperson Norma Lippa. “We have such a beautiful venue. it’s huge and the acoustics are incredible.”
Lippa isn’t sure how the idea for the Choral Extravaganza developed, but said it was probably an easy leap to make: “a no-brainer, as they say.”
“All these beautiful choirs in this valley and you are limited in the chance you get for exposure,” said Lippa. “ In our church, they redid the choir area so it would be more conducive to choirs, or any kind of concert.
“All that space, they have an organ, they have a piano, the acoustics are fabulous, they should have more choirs than one performing in a concert.”
The music ranges from seasonal songs to help start the Christmas season off, to what you would expect in a church setting.
“They sing some sacred songs, only because accomplished choirs always do that; the music is so well written for them. And then they sing secular songs as well,” said Lippa.
Tickets are $15, available from the church office, 250-492-2684, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Half of the proceeds will be donated to breakfast programs at Columbia and Parkway Elementary Schools.
Grandmothers for Africa is looking to recruit some singers for a good cause.
Carolling for a Cause, in fact.
The aid organization is looking for groups of singers for their new fundraiser. In partnership with the Downtown Business Association to fill the downtown with groups of carollers — three or four or more than 20 — on Nov. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The audience will move from group to group and purchase buttons to vote for their favourite. The evening will end with all the participants coming to Nanaimo Square for a final song and tree lighting.
The funds raised will go to the Stephen Lewis Foundation to assist African Grandmothers raising a generation of children orphaned by AIDS, as well as the Breakfast Learning Club that feeds hungry children in three Penticton schools.
If you are a member of a choir or you have a group of friends or coworkers who would be willing to belt out Christmas songs loud and proud? Come join the fun, get into the Christmas spirit and help give back during the holidays.!
Since the singers are stationary and the audience moves repeating songs is totally possible.
Registration forms, available from Judi Ritcey at jritcey49@gmail.com, will answer all your concerns and questions.
If you would like to part of this event call Corinne at 250-493-0092.