As posted on www.lastcallwithsol.com
The Lyric Theatre Singers
Candlelight Christmas 2017
Loyola Chapel
Concordia University
Tonight was the opening of a four day run and I am a fan. The Lyric Theatre Singers never fail to deliver. Five exceptional musicians and thirty-seven voices under the exceptional guidance of Bob Bachelor brought the audience to their feet on more than one occasion. For nearly two hours we were entertained with a brief interlude during which the audience sang along to two selections. The first half opened with the entire chorus being lead into the chapel by their conductor from behind the audience while singing Orgo ni funoluwa! composed by Rosephanye Powell whose influences include African-American musical styles. The entry reminded me of one of my favourite musicals, The Lion King. All the voices blended beautifully and the rest of the first half consisted of traditional Christmas music. Sweet Little Jesus Boy was performed admirably by the Sopranos and Altos and featured Soprano Laurie-Anne Jean-Baptiste. The absolute show-stopper, Cantique de Noel was performed by Soprano Katherine Fournier.
The second half opened with a medley of songs of the holiday easy-listening style like Irving Berlin’s I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm, and Haven Gillespie’s Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. When the final notes had been sung the audience was on its feet and an encore was inevitable.
The Candlelight Christmas 2017 continues December 8 at 8:00 P.M.
December 9 at 4:00 P.M. December 10 at 1:30 P.M.
