Submitted by David Warder
I’m sitting here, on November 14, reading what I sent to the paper a year ago… staring, mouth wide open, shaking my head and asking… How did we ever do it?! I’m feeling really grateful for how far we have come in a year.
One month from today, December 14, will be our first performance. Oh, how I wish I knew what the world will be like a month from now. I started planning for this in July, but much continues to be unknown.
Unless public health measures or provincial mandates come into place between now and then, you won’t have to reserve your seats ahead of time and you won’t have to provide proof of vaccination and show your health card. How did we do all that?!
However, I am going to ask you not to come if you are not feeling well and/or you have any cold, flu, COVID-19 or RSV symptoms.
It will be up to you how close you sit to other people. Most people will probably want to mask especially if the audiences are very large. My sense is that most people are in the habit of carrying a mask, just in case. If the province or public health reinstate a masking requirement, you should prepare accordingly.
Last year, we were trailblazers, being one of the first choirs to resume unmasked choral singing in front of a live audience. By following the “rules” for unmasked singing and concert audiences, we successfully rehearsed and performed without a single case of COVID infection. Key to that success was keeping everything small.
This year, we are taking things a bit further. The new normal is going to look a lot more like the old normal. Last year’s choir was comprised of 9 singers. This year, the choir is at about 2/3 of its usual size with almost 30 singers plus a director, accompanist, narrators and technical support. More wanted to sing, but this was a big enough leap for me.
This year’s Cantata is entitled “Sing a Song of Christmas”. It is a collection of readings and joyful songs, old and new, that are sure to make you feel good. As we celebrate our third Covid-Christmas, I think we need to take time to reflect on good things that have happened even during difficult times. I hope that attending the Cantata will bring back some feelings of joy that you may have put aside for too long.
The Ladies of Note are joining us again and we’ll also showcase some individual talents of both choir members and other guests. If public health is still permitting it, we’ll also have some carol singing for everyone. It should be a good night!
No food again this year, but we hope that the socializing afterwards can be more comfortable than having to stand out in the parking lot.
Performances Start Dec 14th
All performances will be at Bethel Church, 18 Ferndale Road at 7:30 pm on
• Wednesday, December 14
• Sunday, December 18
• Wednesday, December 21
Admission is $10 (to cover choir expenses with the excess going to Golden Dawn redecorating) and a food item (which will be given to the food bank to restock its shelves after the Christmas hamper distribution).
Thank you to all who keep encouraging and motivating me to do this especially during challenging circumstances. Do you have any idea what kind of reactions I get when I suggest just taking a year off?! Thank you for valuing the work of this choir. I am humbled to hear what an important part of Christmas the Cantata Choir is for you. This is one of the most difficult and most rewarding things that I do.
