Sounds of Christmas carollers will emanate from Patricia Theatre this Sunday afternoon during the 11th annual Community Christmas Carol Sing-along.
Organizers of the yearly event plan it on the Sunday closest to Christmas and after church services so it does not conflict with anything else, says co-founder and theatre co-owner Ann Nelson.
“We want the event to be a multigenerational opportunity for people who maybe don’t have family in town to share holiday traditions with,” says Nelson. “We started this 11 years ago because we missed the family carolling we grew up with and we wanted to create that experience for other people.”
Nelson and co-founder Roberta Pearson, who leads the sing-alongs with a strong voice that Nelson says is “operatic quality,” are joined by organist Jim Dickson, who will be playing this year on the theatre’s new organ: an Eminent Grand from Holland, by way of Delta. Carolling sheets are handed out to attendees and Pearson leads everyone in song inside the acoustic-friendly Patricia.
“It sounds so warm; it’s just lovely,” says Nelson. “And any of us who are hesitant about hitting a certain note, we just hide behind Roberta’s voice. It’s wonderful.”
Carollers in the audience call out requests from the song sheets and Nelson says someone always suggests “O Holy Night.” “So we all just let Roberta solo,” she laughs.
Besides the merry carolling, the event also features an appearance from Santa Claus himself, as well as door prizes. Admission is by donation with all proceeds raised going to the Friends of the Historic Patricia Theatre restoration fund.
Nelsons says the community event appeals to all ages and Inclusion Powell River workers often choose to give up some of their free time to bring their clients to join in the sing-alongs.
One person is key to the event being a success every year, says Nelson, and that’s Pearson.
“We couldn’t do it without Roberta,” she says. “Nobody has the courage without her to start belting out songs. You’ve got to have someone who empowers you, and that’s what makes this holiday event so much fun.”
Community Christmas Carol Sing-along
When: 2 pm, Sunday, December 18
Where: Patricia Theatre
Price: Free by donation
Info: 604.483.9345
