For safety reasons, Maple Ridge Chorus did not invite the general public to its indoor 2021 Christmas concert. However, the choir did have the opportunity to safely perform for the public outdoors on four occasions in December of 2021. MRC was invited by the organizers of GLOW Maple Ridge to sing Christmas carols and songs on the bandstand at Memorial Peace Park in the early evening of the 4th, 12th, 17th, and 19th of December. Despite the chilly conditions, it was great fun for the choir to sing Christmas favourites to those brave souls who stopped in the park to listen and soak up the festive atmosphere of Maple Ridge Town Centre, with its lovely holiday lights.
MRC thanks the organizers of GLOW for giving us this long-awaited opportunity to entertain the general public. And heartfelt thanks to Virginia Kuran for discovering this opportunity, liaising with the organizers, choosing the music, recruiting volunteers, accompanying choristers on piano (with freezing fingers), providing and setting up the sound system (with husband Dave), and more. Also, kudos to Melissa Pratas for conducting and to John Simms and Rose Koyama for emceeing.
Credits: City of Maple Ridge (banner), MRCS Facebook (photo)