Lyric Theatre Singers Present Free Online Christmas Concert, December 16-19

The Lyric Theatre Singers return with a reimagined and exciting virtual version of their beloved Christmas event. Candlelight Christmas Together Again! will be streaming free on Facebook and YouTube Live, from December 16th - 19th, 2021. Subsequently, the event will be available to view on-demand throughout the holiday season.

Bob Bachelor, Artistic Director and 2020 recipient of the Jean-Pierre-Guindon prize, has prepared yet another magical program for eager audiences. From the likes of Irving Berlin to a moving rendition of "What Child is This?", the concert is filled with Christmas joy for young and old! Singers from Montreal found their sound again as in-person rehearsals finally resumed-with COVID protocols in place-while Singers from Saskatoon and Washington DC connected with the group via online rehearsals.

Producer Laurence St-Denis worked with Bob Bachelor and Alessandro Mercurio (Co-Director and Editor), assisted by Matt Ayotte, to record video and sound at various Montreal venues. Singer Adam Gallay also worked on the direction and editing of one captivating number. Rob Denton (Sound Designer) captured the Singers' voices and the musicians: Chris Barillaro (keyboard), Peter Colantonio (percussions), Olga Gross (harp), Sheila Hannigan (bass), and Tim Malloch (flute).

"We were able to rehearse together, to record new songs together, with musicians, and to film together, always following public health rules. Despite the challenges, the Singers were able to be creative and re-discover their musical connections in the most positive and life affirming way. They have a new-found strength and vibrancy," Bob Bachelor, Musical Director

Returning rehearsal accompanist and talented pianist, Chad Linsley, is also among the musicians and was an instrumental part of The Singers' musicianship and rehearsal process. As was Assistant Musical Director Martin Kaller who, after enhancing his considerable skills in the Alliance Chorale's Choral Conductor Training Program in August, provided great support to Mr. Bachelor and the Singers.

Last year's virtual event was well-received by loyal and new audiences alike and The Lyric Theatre Singers were thrilled to reach international audiences: in fact, 30,000 more people than they would have performed for in a local concert run! This year's show has evolved into a truly special project which proves, once more, that a true sense of family and collaboration make Lyric what it is today; ever-changing and growing, even in unprecedented times, and always rooted in excellence.

Speaking of family ... Bob Bachelor felt it important to reach out to Lyric's extended family: the alumni community that has given so much to Lyric over the years. The Lyric Theatre Singers Alumni Chorus enthusiastically agreed to lend their voices to the project and sent in video and audio files. A nostalgic and timeless musical number is the result, bringing a total of 60 voices from the past and present of The Lyric Theatre Singers together again!

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