Muskoka Men of Song and guest acts set to entertain at Opera House

The annual Muskoka Men of Song Christmas concert promises to be full of seasonally delightful tunes the whole family will enjoy.

Taking place on Friday, December 8 at the Gravenhurst Opera House, this year’s concert theme is “Let There Be Peace.” The theme is in direct reference to the many conflicts throughout the world with emphasis on the recent events on the Middle East and in Ukraine, while not discounting the decades of strife in Africa.

“It expresses our sympathy for what’s going on in the world,” says president Ken Turner. “There is some very beautiful music around that particular theme as well.”

Songs include the aptly titled Let There Be Peace on Earth, Peace Peace, Let Me Be a Channel for Your Peace, and more. There will be the usual holiday songs as well, including Gordon Lightfoot’s A Song for Winter’s Night, which Turner describes as “a very beautiful piece.”

Lighter tunes include African Noel, Holly Jolly Christmas, and other family favourites.

Turner also notes that as a men’s choir, there is a beautiful blend of vocal ranges including bass, baritone and tenors that meshes together to create the amazing choral sounds.

“It’s the beginning of Christmas and it’s great to get into the spirit of the season,” says Turner. “You’ll get to hear some great music . . . it’s amazing to hear the blend of the voices singing.”

Also appearing on the same stage will be FOGG (Four Old Guys and a Gal), the popular Muskoka’s MenFolk, a solo performance by FOGG member Jen Dennis, and more.

Tickets are available from choir members, in Bracebridge from Tiggs for Him and Her and from Worth Repeating (both on Manitoba Street, downtown Bracebridge), and from Blooming Muskoka in Gravenhurst. Or online at the Muskoka Men of Song website (link at the end of the article).

Proceeds from this concert support the Sean Kelly Memorial Bursary for young music students in Muskoka, which has awarded over $68,000 to aspiring musicians in Muskoka.

“One of the main objectives of the Men of Song is fundraising,” explains Turner.

Some of them have gone on to have great musical careers, while many have given back to the community by performing and helping raise funds for the next set of young musical talent.

Indeed, the Christmas Show on December 8 will feature several youth who benefitted from the Sean Kelly Memorial Fund.  

“You can hear some of the young people as well, and they are amazingly talented,” says Turner.

Other concerts to enjoy

The Muskoka Men of Song is also performing at the Trek to Bethlehem in Bala on December 9, as well as entertaining a few retirement homes in the area.

The choir will be performing at a trio of retirement homes to bring the Christmas cheer to residents who may not be able to get out and enjoy the season due to mobility issues.

The Muskoka Men of Song will be at Castle Peak in Bracebridge on December 11 at 7 p.m., at Rogers Cove in Huntsville on December 15 at 2 p.m. and then at Muskoka Traditions in Huntsville on December 15 at 3:30 p.m.

Each of these are private events, but as Turner notes, it’s important to spread the Christmas joy through their concerts.

They also performed at the Remembrance Day Service at Memorial Park in Bracebridge this year.

About the choir

The Muskoka Men of Song choir was founded in 1984 by music-lovers who share a passion for performing to the best of their ability and a desire to help others reach their own potential.

The men enjoy the camaraderie and the joy of singing as well as the fundraising aspect of the choir.

They are always happy to hear from new singers looking to join the choir. For more information on the Muskoka Men of Song and how to join, visit: http://www.muskokamenofsong.ca/index.htm