Seaway Valley Singers play to full house

 It was standing room only at Iroquois United Church when the Seaway Valley Singers held their annual Christmas concert, this year with the theme, A Cool Yule.

The 50 voice choir was joined by the Handbell Ringers of Winchester United Church, under the direction of Colleen Howard for the concert.

The Seaway Valley Singers are directed by Robert Jones, who holds Associateship and Choir Master diplomas from the Royal Canadian College of Organists.He has worked with the Seaway Valley Singers for 12 years.

The Singers were accompanied for their concert by Margaret Whisselle, who holds a music degree from Queen’s University and is a well known singer, organist and teacher in the area.

Acting as emcee for the concert was Gerry Rosenquist, who offered up commentary on the choir pieces, and shared stories and anecdotes about the true nature of Christmas with the audience.

The concert was a warm mixture of the traditional carols of Christmas with the unexpectedness of some modern secular music. 

The classic “My Soul Rejoices” featured  the strong soprano voice of soloist Rhonda Schneckenburger, powerfully backed by the choir. Then there was the joyous, almost light-hearted feeling of Malcolm Archer’s “A Child is Born in Bethlehem,” in an arrangement which high lighted the versatility of the Seaway Singers. 

The traditional “Here we come A-Wassailing” with its celebration of ‘hot ale, beer, apples, cider, spices and mead’ was a popular piece with the audience. And the choir certainly did Bing and the Andrews Sisters proud with “Mele Kalikimaka”, the Hawaiian Christmas song

Treble Benjamin Vreman, sang “One Small Child”, (accompanied by his vocal teacher, Whisselle) in a stunning performance in the latter half of the concert. His polished, beautifully coloured piece was a real crowd pleaser.

Joined by the talented Hand Bell Choir, whose bells (both rung and struck) added a richness to their sound, the Seaway Singers delivered an afternoon of Christmas songs, both old and new, which clearly delighted the appreciative crowd in attendance. 

The Singers have recently established two $250 bursaries for students taking post secondary education in music. It is their hope that a love of music will continue among area young people.

The Seaway Valley Singers will perform again in May, featuring music from the Sound of Music,  at their annual spring concert.