A Breathtaking Evening: Christmas with The Salvation Army

by: June Li

A truly spectacular annual tradition, the music of brass and choir was brought together once again to celebrate the season at Roy Thomson Hall for Christmas with The Salvation Army. Last Saturday, donors and music lovers graced the concert hall for an evening of Christmas carols and beloved songs of the season. This year’s gala featured, award-winning Blues and Gospel singer Jackie Richardson. Led by Artistic Director, Major Leonard Ballantine, the stage presented organist, Ian Sadler, dramatist, Colin Fox, The Salvation Army’s Canadian Staff Band and Staff Songsters.

As guests began to trail in and fill the theatre with anticipation, they were met with the first carol of the night, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” followed by an opening prayer and season’s greetings from the emcee, Major John P. Murray. To start the concert, the stage was graced with Jackie Richardson, supported by the Canadian Staff Band and 250-voice Festival Chorus. As the night went on, the audience was presented with a Christmas with The Salvation Army first; a Christmas favourite and tradition, “A Canadian Christmas” told by Colin Fox, accompanied by the magnificent Canadian Staff Band and Canadian Staff Songsters.

Each year, Christmas with The Salvation Army invites community members to this wonderful event to give thanks to those who support our life-changing programs and services. Because of their generous support, The Salvation Army is able to continue to give hope and put food, warmth and dignity within reach for vulnerable individuals and families in the community. One donor responded after the event, “It was a delightful experience for both our ears and, more importantly, our hearts. It certainly put us in the Christmas spirit and reminded me of why I choose to continue to support The Salvation Army”.

To donate or to learn more about our programs please visit www.SalvationArmy.ca. Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or via mail to The Salvation Army, 1645 Warden Avenue, Toronto ON, M1R 5B3.

If you were unable to make it to the event, you can catch snippets and photos of the concert on our Facebook page.