Staff
Deemed by some local residents as the start to the holiday season for them, the Christmas cantata, led by director Diane Maxey, is ready to go this Sunday (Dec. 13).
The cantata, entitled “Emmanuel,” will be performed at 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church.
Maxey said that following a series practices in recent weeks as well as a performance for Rainycrest residents this past Sunday, her singers are in prime form to tell the Christmas story through song.
She added those who have attended the cantata in past years can expect something a little different this time around.
The actual cantata will be preceded by four or five traditional songs, after which the choir will take a break while Maxey leads the audience in a carol sing for three or four songs.
The choir then will return and “Emmanuel” will begin.
Maxey added there will be no narrator this year, with the entire story being told through song so listen closely to the lyrics.
A second performance is slated for next Friday (Dec. 18) at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in International Falls.
Admission to both concerts is free, but a free-will offering will be taken at the door.
Meanwhile, Maxey will be directing a class of J.W. Walker students she has taught to play hand chimes during the school’s Christmas concert there next Thursday evening (Dec. 17).
Maxey then is expected to lead a group of carolers around downtown Fort Frances on the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 19 to spread the Christmas spirit to shoppers through song.
As well, she will lead her children’s choir in a brief performance for residents of the special care unit at Rainycrest on the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 20.
