Chamber Singers hope to make spirits soar this Christmas

The Chamber Singers of Algoma are set to make spirits soar with a Christmas concert at Precious Blood Cathedral on Dec. 17.

The afternoon performance will be directed by Patty Gartshore and feature soloists Christine Horst, Fiona Bergin, Juliana Regan and Stephen Gagnon-Ruscio.

Tickets, available at Savoy’s Jewellers, are $20 for adults or $5 for students.

Additional information can be found in the news release below:

The Chamber Singers of Algoma are infusing the Christmas season with choral joy. They will present their Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at Precious Blood Cathedral in the Sault’s downtown.

Under the direction of Patty Gartshore, accompanists are Anthony Aceti and Lisa Parlee. The choir will be joined by soloists Christine Horst, Fiona Bergin, Juliana Regan and Stephen Gagnon-Ruscio.

The program will feature several pieces of music arranged by Patty Gartshore including, A La Nanita Nana, a traditional Latin American Christmas Carol; and Dominus Dixit, Introit for Christmas Day, a Gregorian chant.

Gesu Bambino by composer Pietro Yon will feature Stephen Gagnon-Ruscio as soloist. Balulalow by composer Benjamin Britten will feature Christine Horst as soloist.

Lullay Myn Lyking by composer Gustav Holst is a Middle English lyric poem or carol of the 15th century which frames a narrative describing an encounter of the Nativity. The choir will be joined by soloists Fiona Bergin and Juliana Regan for this exquisite piece of music.

The poem Courtesy by Hilaire Belloc has been set to music through an original composition by Patty Gartshore and will debut at the Christmas concert.

In keeping with tradition, the audience will be invited to sing along with the choir for a few select Christmas carols.

Patty Gartshore will play O Come All Ye Faithful on the lovely old Casavant organ from the loft of the Precious Blood Cathedral sanctuary.

On Dec. 17, come and find sanctuary inside Precious Blood Cathedral where the music will surely lift spirits and prepare the mind for the story that is Christmas.

Tickets are $20 for adults or $5 for students and are available at Savoy’s Jewellers in Sault Ste Marie.

Founded in 1985, The Chamber Singers of Algoma is comprised of choristers from both sides of the Canada – U.S. border. The Chamber Singers of Algoma have travelled extensively for performances including by invitation to The Vatican and The Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italy. In 2001 they performed in St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel before an audience that included Pope John Paul II. They have travelled to numerous choral festivals, domestic and abroad including Toronto, Vienna, and The Czech Republic. In 2013, Chamber Singers of Algoma performed in Carnegie Hall, New York City, NY.