Algoma Festival Choir ready to soar during Bushplane shows

One of Sault Ste. Marie’s most recognized choirs is hoping residents will join them for two nights of festive performances this weekend.

Members of the Algoma Festival Choir (AFC) are putting a bow on rehearsals for their upcoming “It’s The Most Wonderful Time” Christmas concert at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

Performing for audiences across town since 1972, this year’s version of the mixed-voice choir is made up of 42 members.

Directing the AFC for the last 30 years, Stephen Mallinger is looking forward to getting everyone together and making live music during a special time of year.

“You didn’t realize how much you missed it during COVID,” he said. “The passion for singing and the commitment to the group makes it a lot of fun. We have people with a lot of history here. The core has been together for a very long time.”

The choir has been rehearsing every Tuesday since September in preparation for this weekend’s pair of live holiday performances.

This year’s program features 16 songs, including traditional carols like Christmas Is Coming and In the Bleak Midwinter. Emily O’Connor will also share her soprano talents with a solo performance of O Holy Night.

Originally hosting Christmas concerts at the Art Gallery of Algoma, the AFC has been performing inside the Bushplane since 1999.

"I'm convinced we're the only choir on the planet singing in an airplane museum," Mallinger laughed. “I can’t prove it but show me another one.”

“The airplanes, the acoustics, the lights; it looks incredible,” he added. “It’s a magical kind of place, and everybody is familiar with it. You get ships going by on the water while we’re singing. It’s amazing.”

The annual concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday Dec. 1 and Saturday Dec. 2.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased at the Bushplane or by clicking here.