Songs Strings and Steps presents its annual Christmas show on Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 at Central Heights Church (1661 McCallum Rd.).
The show is titled All is Well, and the theme is peace.
A variety of entertainment will be presented from the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir, the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, the MEI Jazz Band and the Alumni Project along with dancers, costumes, treats for the audience, poetry, video and other surprises.
Prior to the top of the show, harpist Olivia Ritchey plays at the coffee bar in Central Heights’ newly renovated foyer.
Then, as part of the show, Jadon Plett has put together a video interview with a number of local people describing their experience of peace.
The concert title is inspired by a quote from the English mystic Julian of Norwich. In 1373, Julian had a vision of Jesus saying, “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”
The music ranges from traditional carols such as O Little Town of Bethlehem and O Holy Night arranged by Mel Bowker, to All is Well by Michael W. Smith, I Heard the Bells by Casting Crowns and Snow by Edward Elgar.
The cast of 160 performers is working with four different choreographers and a planning team that is overseeing the lighting, stage design, costuming, sound, music and flow.
“We hope that this concert is not only a musical treat, but that it will also be a transformative experience for the audience,” says director Calvin Deck.
Show times are 7 p.m. on Dec. 20 and 21, with an additional show at 2 p.m. on Dec. 21. Tickets start at $15 and are available at King’s Music, House of James or online at eventbrite.ca.