When Andrea and Amaris sing together, they sound like one voice. The uncanny resemblance to each other may be because Andrea and Amaris are identical twins, or perhaps it’s because they’ve been a singing duet since they were two years old.
Sitting on the couch in Amaris Gray’s Abbotsford home, the sisters finish each other’s sentences and smile wh en describing their personalities.
“We are very similar. It’s only when you know us really well that you notice the difference,” says Amaris.
Music has always been their thing, adds Andrea Pederson.
The twins will host their concert, “The Magic of Christmas,” on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, at 32315 South Fraser Way.
The show will feature special guests pianist Mel Bowker, violinist Calvin Dyck and members from the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra.
Andrea and Amaris both attained music degrees from Trinity Western University and have since become music teachers. Performing since the age of two and a half, both are used to being onstage. While Andrea is usually confident walking up to the candlelit platform, Amaris says she still gets nervous.
“It’s a subconscious thing. But a couple songs in, I’m OK.”
Songs performed will include classic hits, carols and hymns, with the style of singing, “pop classical.”
The genre encompasses the pair’s classical voice training with some operatic elements, while still providing a mainstream sound. Their vocals have been described as “angelic” by audiences.
When choosing songs in different languages, the singers picked ones with recognizable melodies, such as “Ave Maria” sung in Latin.
Collaborating with the youth orchestra will be an exciting feature, they said, adding that they try to expand upon every performance.
Last year’s concert was a smaller affair, with Andrea having just given birth to her daughter. Now, Amaris is a mother too – her daughter was born six months ago.
It will bring new meaning to some of the lyrics this year, the moms said, especially with songs such as “Mary Did You Know.”
“You understand your own mom more, understand those feelings,” Andrea says.
“It will be exciting to see what happens with our daughters. We think it would be cute if they sang duets,” says Amaris, laughing.
Andrea and Amaris have produced four albums, the most recent being “Live,” recorded in 2010. To learn more about the duo visit http://www.andreaandamaris.ca.
Tickets for their concert are $18 for adults and $12 for children under 12, and can be purchased at the House of James, at 2743 Emerson St., or by email at andreaamaris@live.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20 before the show, starting at 6:30 p.m.