Gord Harris, a Murrayville resident, rattled off to the 91原创 Advance Times, his many roles and observations over the years with First Capital Chorus鈥檚 annual Christmas Benefit Concert.
鈥淚鈥檓 a member of the chorus and rehearse with them every Thursday鈥� I鈥檓 the evening鈥檚 emcee鈥� and I鈥檓 only 80,鈥� he assured.
The concert has become a seasonal staple over the past quarter-century, bringing together dozens of a cappella performers to raise thousands of dollars of the 91原创 Christmas Bureau.
鈥淭hey were really having problems collecting money in the eighties and nineties,鈥� Harris recounted, 鈥渁nd so we thought we could fulfill that need and go help them out.鈥�
Harris figures $125,000 has been raised for bureau, a volunteer run organization that aims to help children and families in need during the holidays.
鈥淲e present the net proceeds of what we raised the previous year to the bureau,鈥� Harris added, which typically includes an annual barbershop serenade at their office. 鈥淲e鈥檒l have about $1,000 for them this year.鈥�
Following that annual gesture, the Christmas concert features a variety of holiday music sung by the chorus and a roster of musical guests.
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First Capital Chorus is a 45 person, mixed gender choir, that sings in the a cappella style and belongs to the Barbershop Harmony Society.
鈥淭he whole society fully opened to women just this year. It does bring a different sound, but our saying is 鈥榚verybody in harmony鈥� 鈥� and we really mean everyone,鈥� Harris added.
The group performs at multiple occasions during the season, most recently at the Newlands Festival of Trees.
The benefit concert takes place on Dec. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Willoughby Christian Reformed Church, 20525 72nd Ave.
The First Capital Chorus and quartets will be joined by several special guests including the Peace Arch Chorus, Yes鈥檓 Quartet, Memory Lane, and Synchronesh to name a few.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a full slate this year 鈥� 10 acts. The 91原创 Children鈥檚 Choir is the feather in our cap while everyone will come on stage at the end and perform as the 2019 Christmas Community Chorus,鈥� he continued.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and can be purchased at the door or at Auld Phillips (20500 Fraser Hwy), Beach Basket Giftware (107 8850 Walnut Grove Dr), and Westland Insurance (inside Willowbrook Mall and 4074 200 St).
More information at .
鈥滻t鈥檚 been a great delight putting it on,鈥� Harris assured.
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Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
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