MUSKOKA ADVENT CHOIR SEASONAL FAVOURITE

GRAVENHURST — What started out 25 year ago as a simple Christmas celebration by an eager group of church choristers has emerged into one of the most anticipated concert series of the season.

In 1994 the Muskoka Advent Choir assembled in the Baptist Church here under the direction of former pastor George Johnston, a talented pianist and choir leader.

Today, it is one of the largest musical ensembles in Central Ontario.

With slightly less than the 70 to 90 singers from across the region who once were part of the choir, they tackle some of the most challenging pieces of any local choir.

And they do it with relatively little practice time, coming together in a matter of little more than a month of intense rehearsal time.

Often they receive the music and an online link to their part to study between weekly joint get-togethers to go over their parts at home.

The result is a stunning piece of music and a little theatre that can sometimes, sadly, be overlooked in the busy December schedule.

It’s a concert you shouldn’t miss, featuring some of the area’s best choralists.

Their series started Friday in Huntsville at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

It continues this Friday, Nov. 29, in Burk’s Falls at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit on Hwy. 520.

On Dec. 1 they travel south to Orillia, where they are at First Baptist on Coldwater Road.

On Dec. 8 they’re back up in Gravenhurst at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, on John Street, behind the Opera House.

Your last chance to hear this amazing choir is Dec. 15 in Bracebridge at Pinegrove Fellowship Church, 295 Taylor Rd.

All concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Join them as they celebrate 25 years of musical excellence.