Georgetown Bach Chorale Offers Gorgeous Performance

Antique Harpishord

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Georgetown Bach Chorale's 2011 Christmas Concert at the lavishly decorated residence of their conductor, Ron Greidanus.
It is hard to say who stole the show as there were several worthy candidates. Was it the eye popping decorations that reportedly take a week to install? Or perhaps the readings of the always entertaining  Vera Macdonald and Yvonne Oldaker? Or could it be the haunting rendition of Silent Night?
All three were the subject of much discussion at a social event following the presentation.
The residential venue itself is unique with beamed cathedral ceilings, mellow paneling and stone hearths all aglow with thousands of baubles and flickering candles.
The musical offerings had their origins in English, Irish and Basque traditions accompanied by Ron Greidanus on harpsichord and Avery Maclean on recoder.
The evening offered a unique and enjoyable Christmas experience rarely found in communities this size.

Local Jazz and Dinner Sold Out Performances

This past weekend the Bach Chorale made a musical leap from Bach to jazz and show tunes. The performance was a lot of fun for the sold out crowd. The Bach Chorale is under the leadership of Georgetown resident and concert pianist Ron Greidanus. Ron is in the centre picture playing the piano while a choir member performs an outstanding version of "Cry Me A River".
The evening features dinner prepared by local resident Yvonne Oldaker and is served by members of the choir. Throughout the dinner various members stop serving and start singing. All of this takes place in a truly unique older home on Main Street South in Georgetown. It is a casual setting with tables set up in 3 different rooms. The audience is encouraged to wander back and forth between rooms to mingle with other attendees and catch various performances.
Dinner itself began with champagne and appetizers. Multiple courses followed including a choice of Coq au Vin or Boeuf a la Julia Child.
Pictured below are desserts from one of two differnt dessert trolleys.
This particular evening was an unusual one with respect to the musical selections. However, the same type of evening happens at Christmas and features music from the group's
classical repertoire. At Christmas the house itself is sumptuously decorated and is a visual treat all by itself.
I would recommend the Bach Chorale to anyone who appreciates classical music and enjoys the gift of live performance.
For future opportunities to hear the Bach Chorale please visit http://www.georgetownbachchorale.com/.