Award-winning Chor Leoni returns for festive concert

It’s not the holidays without holiday carols. The statement shared by Erick Lichte, artistic director of Chor Leoni, previews one of Canada’s most awarded choir’s annual Yuletide tradition.

JUNO-nominated Chor Leoni’s blend of sacred songs, festive carols and winter soundscapes can be experienced at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United, located at 1022 Nelson St., later this week. It’s what Lichte calls an “immersive” and “full sensory experience”.

Complementing beloved carols, rollicking holiday folk music and modern classics – like O Come Emmanuel and Silent Night – St. Andrew’s-Wesley United will be transformed into a winter wonderland with atmospheric illumination and breathtaking acoustics that create a surround sound singing experience.

“The wish for Christmas with Chor Leoni is to create a space where music can make deep and cherished holiday memories live in the moment, where all who listen might connect to the sound of Chor Leoni as well as with one another, and where the joy and the hope of the season can spill out of the illuminated sanctuary of St. Andrew’s-Wesley to bring light and life to the world,” Lichte said in a press release.

The concert will be rounded out with the world premieres of two new arrangements bringing new life to some of the most performed Christmas carols in churches and concert halls around the world, including Joy to the World and Angels We Have Heard On High. Chor Leoni reimagines the French carol classic
into a symphonic Irish jig.

The decades-beloved choir will be joined by Vancouver-based musical guests, including pianists Tina Chang and Karen-Lee Morlang, violinist Cameron Wilson, bassist Laurence Mollerup, and guitarist Keith Sinclair.

The six shows will take place Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 20 at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Dec. 21 at 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Tickets range from $20 to $75 plus applicable taxes and can be purchased online at chorleoni.org.

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