On December 20th and 21st Songs Strings and Steps presents their annual Christmas Show at Central Heights Church in Abbotsford. This year’s theme is “peace”.
Director Calvin Dyck is expecting over 2500 people to attend to enjoy a variety of entertainment from the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir, the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, the MEI Jazz Band and the Alumni Project along with dancers, costumes, treats for the audience, poetry, video and other surprises.
Prior to the top of the show, harpist Olivia Ritchie will be playing at the coffee bar in Central Heights’ newly renovated foyer. Then, as part of the show, Jadon Plett has put together a video interview with a number of local people describing their experience of peace.
The concert title is inspired by a quote from the English mystic Julian of Norwich. In 1373 Julian had a vision of Jesus saying “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well”.
The music ranges from traditional carols such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “O Holy Night” arranged by Mel Bowker, to “All is Well” by Michael W. Smith, “I Heard the Bells” by Casting Crowns and the beautiful “Snow” by Edward Elgar. The cast of 150 performers is working with 4 different choreographers and a planning team that is overseeing the details of lighting, stage design, costuming, sound, music and flow.
As Calvin says: “We hope that this concert is not only a musical treat; but that it will also be a transformative experience for the audience. We invite you to let the Prince of Peace fill your hearts and minds through the vehicle of music this Christmas season. Hope to see you at Songs Strings and Steps.”