Christmas is a magical season; a time of year perfectly suited to the beautiful reflective music featured in the Sooke Community Choir’s concert Winter Heart.
“This is a fantastic program of thoughtful seasonal music that includes some classical pieces by Mozart and others as well as some more pop-oriented songs that really serve to bring the season alive,” said Bruce Ruddell, the choir’s artistic director.
“In this madcap, crazy world I thought it would be great to offer a concert where people can take a breath, listen to the music, and have a peaceful, thoughtful interlude in their lives.”
RELATED: Learn more about the choir
To that end, the choir will also be presenting some more traditional Christmas music with numbers like Silent Night and Huron Carol to really capture the spirit of Christmas.
The concerts are far more than just a choir performance, Ruddell said.
“We create a total environment with professional lighting, special effects, a full stage set with decorations and costumes,” he said.
As well, the choir has tapped some remarkable musical talent to support its seasonal offerings with Sooke native, Kathy Russel taking the lead on piano.
She’ll be joined by Silivna Samuel on cello, who has recently returned to Victoria after working extensively in Hawaii.
“On guitar, Steve Cross will be featured as well as violinist Adrien Dolan. These are all remarkable musicians and we’re so excited to be performing with them for this special series of concerts,” Ruddell said.
“We’re ready to bring Sooke a remarkable message of light, hope and spirituality.”
This is the fifth season for Ruddell at the head of the community choir and Sally Titchkosky, the general manager of the organization, stressed that Sooke is truly blessed to have the benefit of his expertise.
RELATED: Read about the spring concert
“Bruce brings a wealth of experience to the choir and, under his direction, the shows we have managed to stage have been truly incredible,” Titchkosky said.
Ruddell has garnered a litany of awards during his years in the music business and has worked as composer-in-residence for the Vancouver Chamber Choir and was a finalist for composer-in-residence of the Canadian Opera Company. He has worked in almost every aspect of the theatre.
Winter Heart will be performed at the Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd, on Dec. 7 and 8 ( 7:30 p.m.) and a Sunday matinee on Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20 and available at Eventbrite.com and at Shoppers Drug Mart in Sooke as well as at the door on performance nights.
mailto:tim.collins@sookenewsmirror.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter