As we approach the Christmas season, chaos permeates the “Peace on Earth” we so earnestly desire. Most critical are the devastating world events that seem so hopeless: heart-breaking events that impact the lives of people just like us. Closer to home, the season often stirs up emotions related to personal grief and other losses, both recent and distant.
Once again, Chor Leoni provides an antidote to the seasonal anxiety we might encounter in untold ways. Artistic Director Erick Lichte says, “When there are bad things going on in the world, people look to the arts – maybe not for answers, but for some sort of response. Every year at Christmas it’s the idea of hope against despair, of light against the darkness, of peace instead of war. I think the angel’s message [to the shepherds] is one of the greatest messages of the Bible. That is the first heralding of what is to come.”
Christmas with Chor Leoni provides the audience an opportunity to be enveloped by the rich sounds of traditional and new music interwoven together. These “Singing Lions”, 70 voices strong, are accompanied by an impressive line up of guest musicians: Cameron Wilson on violin, Vivian Chen on harp, Tina Chang on piano and Ken Sinclair on guitar. The program premieres Wilson’s three-section composition, Midnight Clear, which moves from deep reflection to exuberant joy, in keeping with the movement of the Christmas story. “For me, the piece is really about hope. Hope for peace despite the ravages of war and hate. Hope for love and faith for a better future for all people. This is a message that resonates with all of us more than ever before,” explains Wilson.
Choir vocalists work hard to make arrangements come together. Into his third year with the group, singer Roger Grose confirms that the expectation is to attend rehearsals well prepared. This translates to a significant level of commitment; singing through the music for a few hours daily is not uncommon. “I’ve never worked harder at my music,” admits Grose, who is a trained and seasoned pianist, choir director and instructor. He says that Lichte’s task is not to teach the singers their music; he is there to interpret and pull the music out of them. Grose adds, “We need to live and breathe the music so that the lyrics and text fly.” Grose and his fellow ‘Lions’ gladly and passionately accept the challenge from a leader “who is an absolute gift.”
Lichte is confident that audiences will feel at home with this season’s music even while various passages will be wrapped in different paper. “It’s these new arrangements, fresh arrangements, it’s compositions made on texts the people know; it’s the weaving together of tunes that are familiar in new and exciting ways.”
In terms of the venue, St Andrews Wesley United Church, Lichte believes that the lighting and acoustics enhance an already special space to provide a feeling of grandness mingled with intimacy. He adds, “So much of it is just the human voice that is such a direct and powerful communicator for the message of this season.”
Lichte affirms that although the global chaos is often foremost on our minds, there is so much good in the world. He believes that live concerts – being together in the same space, listening together to the same music – can be very healing. Being surrounded by others who value and support peace and hope through the beauty of music can provide a refuge. “Outside there may be a storm,” he concludes, “but inside we have the opportunity to gain some clarity…It’s our wish that through the sound and spirit of Chor Leoni, together with the enveloping acoustics and stunning setting of St. Andrew’s-Wesley United, audiences will be bathed in the light of the season, and filled with renewed love and hope for the year ahead.”
Dates & Times:
December 15, 2023 at 7:30pm
December 16, 2023 at 11am, 2pm & 5pm
December 18, 2023 at 5pm & 8pm
Venue: St. Andrew-Wesley’s United, 1022 Nelson St., Vancouver
Ticket Prices: Tickets from $20-$75, plus applicable fees.
35 and Under ticket pricing available.
Ticket Link: chorleoni.org
Website: chorleoni.org
Marion Van Driel delights in her roles as a wife, mother and grandmother; her soul is fed by both composing and composting. Music, words, form and colour are ingredients on which she thrives. She considers her garden a gift where family and friends gather to visit, heal, reflect and celebrate. Called as writer, artist, worship leader, gardener and (sometimes reluctant) follower of Christ, she bears evidence of God’s abundant grace without which she’d be someone else entirely.
Leave a Reply