Christmas is not only a time for celebration, but one for community and family traditions. And one of those which lovers of music and pageantry can bank on again this year is the Christmas cantata at St. Mary’s Church.
The popular event, which combines choral singing and recitation of passages to tell a Christmas story, is slated for this Sunday (Dec. 14) at 3 p.m.
“It marks the beginning of the Christmas season. That’s what people always say to me,” said cantata director Diane Maxey, who’s organized the performance here for more than 10 years.
“Hopefully, everyone comes out for it. I know I’m looking forward to it,” she added.
While Maxey has been very busy dealing with some personal matters, she said she feels the rehearsals over the past few weeks have paid off with the what she calls “ a good balance” of experienced and enthusiastic novice choraliers.
A dress rehearsal of the cantata, entitled “Sing of the Wonder,” will be held this Saturday (Dec. 13) at 2 p.m. at Rainycrest Home for the Aged for residents there.
But anyone, particularly those with family or friends among the residents, are welcome to attend, as well.
The cost for Sunday’s performance at St. Mary’s Church is a goodwill offering. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
There was no cantata last year as Maxey was fighting a throat ailment at that time.
The 2001 cantata, “Hope Was Born,” involved about 70 singers from across the district and drew more than 200 people to St. Mary’s for its performance.
“Sing of the Wonder” previously was performed here in 1995, said Maxey.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
