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Christmas with Chor Leoni Evokes the Spirit of the Season with Traditional Carols, World Premieres, and Reimagined Winter Classics
Vancouver’s renowned men’s chorus, Chor Leoni, continues its cherished festive tradition this December with Christmas with Chor Leoni, offering audiences an unforgettable celebration of the holiday season. The beloved annual concert series runs December 18-20 at the historic St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson St), featuring six performances that promise to fill hearts with joy and wonder.
Featuring soaring acoustics and immersive lighting at Vancouver’s historical venue, this year’s program presents Chor Leoni’s hallmark mix of traditional carols, world premieres, and reimagined winter classics. “We aim to fulfill every listener’s Christmas wish list with surround-sound singing of ancient and new, and send audiences into the Christmas season full of hope, light, and renewal,” says Artistic Director Erick Lichte.
Audiences can anticipate traditional favourites such as Ding Dong Merrily on High, Deck the Halls, and Silent Night, performed alongside Christmas carol reinventions by indie music stars Tori Amos and others, each bringing its own shimmer to the festivities.
A highlight of the 2025 edition is the premiere of four new works – including two new arrangements and two original commissions. Local musician Ken Cormier will present a fresh arrangement of Sufjan Stevens’ Angels We Have Heard On High, reintroducing the original carol’s famed “Gloria” sequence back into his version. Chor Leoni’s Composer in Residence Marie-Claire Saindon unveils Jubilo, an original work that weaves medieval Christmas melodies with folk reels and fiddling. Vancouver santour player and composer Saina Khaledi will premiere My Beloved, a Persian Solstice song inspired by her father and the tradition of sharing poetry, music, and memories on the longest night of the year.
The JUNO-nominated ensemble, recognized as one of North America’s leading vocal groups, will be joined by an impressive roster of Vancouver-based musicians including pianists Karen Lee-Morang and Tina Chang, harpist Vivian Chen, violinist Cameron Wilson, guitarist Keith Sinclair, and santour player Saina Khaledi.
With performances on December 18 at 7:30pm, December 19 at 5pm and 8pm, and December 20 at 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm, there are multiple opportunities to experience this holiday tradition at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United. Tickets range from $20-$75, with special pricing available for those 35 and under.
For tickets and more information, visit chorleoni.org.
This is a photo of Westcoast German News (left) attending the 2024 Chor Leoni Christmas Performance with Erick Lichte being on the right.
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