Get into the Christmas spirit with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Pops Concert.
The Victoria Symphony is back for another year with A Sentimental Christmas at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre on Monday, Dec. 12 at
7:30 p.m.
Tickets, which are $40, are available at both the Parksville and Qualicum Beach Mulberry Bush Bookstores.
Eric Charman, who was instrumental in bringing the Victoria Symphony Orchestra to Qualicum Beach, said they urge people to get their tickets early.
“We usually get people phoning up at the last minute (for tickets),” Charman said. “ Once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Charman, who is a resident of both Victoria and Qualicum Beach, said he helped bring the Victoria Symphony Orchestra to Qualicum Beach in the early 1990s, and it’s been here every year since then.
Maestro Brian Jackson will be back once again for the always-popular Christmas show. Charman said this is probably Jackson’s seventh time coming to Qualicum Beach over the last 20 years.
“They just love him at Qualicum Beach,” Charman said.
Jill Smillie, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra director of marketing, said Jackson has a lovely rapport with the Parksville Qualicum Beach audience. She also said he will be engaging with the audience by telling stories and jokes.
On the program for A Sentimental Christmas is A Most Wonderful Christmas, Santa’s Journey, March of the Toys, Sleigh Ride, Carol of the Bells and A Christmas Festival.
Smillie said the show is sure to put people in the Christmas spirit.
Joining the Victoria Symphony this year are 12 dancers and singers from the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
The Canadian College of Performing Arts is based out of Victoria. It was established by the Canadian Heritage Arts Society, a non-profit society and registered charitable organization, as a way to promote higher education and support young people who wish to establish careers and contribute to Canadian society.
Students from the Canadian College of Performing Arts will be joining the Victoria Symphony for A New Deal for Christmas (from Annie), My Favourite Things (from The Sound of Music), We Need a Little Christmas, Dream Pantomime (from Hansel and Gretel), Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas.
Charman said Jackson will ask the audience to sing along during some of the Christmas carols.
Smillie said the concert is called “A Sentimental Christmas” for a reason.
“It’s a warm-hearted, feel good concert celebrating the magic of the holiday season that is sure to delight everyone,” Smillie said. “It’s lovely just to have a nice little break from everything during the Christmas season.”
For more information on the upcoming concert, visit www.victoriasymphony.ca.