Review: Christmas with Chor Leoni – Let the Yuletide Celebrations Begin!‎

For a uniquely winter festive experience, there is nothing like an immersive musical experience that combines the beauty of the illuminated sacred space of Saint Andrew-Wesley’s United together with timeless holiday melodies performed by Vancouver’s acclaimed Chor Leoni.

Led by Artistic Director Erick Lichte and accompanied by pianists Tina Chang and Karen-Lee Morlang, guitarist Keith Sinclair, bassist Laurence Mollerup and violinist Cameron Wilson, Chor Leoni showcased traditional Christmas songs combined with their unique interpretations of these festive tunes.

The evening’s concert started with a beautiful violin intro as the singers entered, each holding a candle, and filling the vaulted ceiling with music from a distant past. The next piece Gaudete, bounced into a lighter and rhythmical tune accentuated by whimsical instruments of pots and pans. Following the two songs from the opposite end of the musical spectrum, the program continued with Chor Leoni’s ethereal and lyrical harmonies of their special repertoire of Christmas songs. In Come, O Come Emmanuel, Cameron Wilson’s violin provided a melodic voice that was impassioned, moving and unforgettable.

Saint Andrew-Wesley’s United was the perfect venue for this special holiday concert. In addition to the wonderful acoustics, the patterned projections and coloured lights brought a new dimension to the immersive quality of music.

Chor Leoni also shared three festive folksongs ranging from the foot stomping fiddling rhythm of Kentucky bluegrass to original mouth reel from Acadian Quebec and a song from the Mummers of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The evening concluded with Chor Leoni’s tradition of singing Silent Night accompanied by guitarist, Keith Sinclair. The audience were invited to sing along to the first three verses and Chor Leoni finished the last verse in darkness lit only by the candles.

It was 60 minutes of pure magic – immersed in the music intertwined with the colourful stage lighting and the moving shadows created by the candles. As the beautiful melodies came to an end, the audience glowed with a warm sense of peace and joy, reflecting the spirit of kindness and generosity of the festive season.

Performances:
December 20, 2024 | 5pm & 8pm
December 21, 2024 | 2pm, 5pm & 8pm

Venue:
Saint Andrew Wesley’s United
1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver, BC

Tickets from $20-$75 plus applicable fees
35 and under ticket pricing available

Featue image: Photo Credit: Ashley Macdonald