RENFREW COUNTY — The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season might feel overwhelming to adults, but to children, it is usually a magical and memorable time they have been anticipating for weeks.
Through their upcoming concert theme, “Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child”, the Pembroke Community Choir (PCC) is hoping to capture the excitement and joy children experience at this time of year. The 80 members of the PCC are excited to perform beautiful carols and songs with their special guests–over 25 singers from the Renfrew Children’s and Youth Chorus.
In addition to performing with the Pembroke choir for two pieces, the Children’s and Youth Chorus will be singing some of their own Christmas songs throughout the concert. “We are so pleased to have these young singers join us” says PCC Director Gerald LaRonde, “they will surely bring some joyful energy to the concert and keep us on our toes as well.”
The children and youth choir members range in age from seven years old to late teens. The chorus was established in 1989 to provide the boys and girls of Renfrew and area with an opportunity to develop their vocal talent through singing together. They practice throughout the year, and usually perform a concert each spring and Christmas. For the last decade, their director has been Jessica Belanger, a well-known classical singer and music teacher from Renfrew, who also performed as guest soloist with the Pembroke Community Choir last Christmas.
For the upcoming Pembroke concerts, some of the less familiar but beautiful Christmas pieces include: Make a Wish for Me at Christmas; When a Child is Born; Mary’s Boy Chile; Remembering December; and Carol of the Russian Children. Some of the more popular songs, especially with children, include medleys from The Grinch and Home Alone movies; as well as Do You Hear What I Hear; Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth; Frosty the Snowman; Nuttin’ for Christmas; and of course, Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Director Laronde encourages everyone to begin this festive season with the Pembroke Community Choir. “The heartfelt performances, and especially the smiling faces of the children, will no doubt prepare everyone for a quiet and relaxing season ahead”, he added.
The concert will be performed in Pembroke twice this year on Sunday, December 1 and Monday, December 2 at Holy Name Church. Both shows are at 7:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and available until November 29 from choir members, at the Pembroke Mall office and Fleurish in Petawawa. Children 13 years and under are free. If still available, tickets at the door will be $20. More information is available on the PCC’s website.
