Celebrating a Christmas Festival with classics, carols and cookies, the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra was a hit under the direction of Mary Ann Taylor at the Holy Redeemer Church last Sunday, Dec.8, 2013. This delightful event had many parish members and non-members alike enjoying this festive music.
Diane Skalenda welcomed everyone with open arms, introducing Mary Ann Taylor and the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra.
This hopping event was a parish fundraising project with a portion of the proceeds donated in support of the Ministries of the St. Benedict Foundation for those living with HIV/AIDS and the unemployed.
Originally known as the “Airport City Pops Orchestra”, the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra is sponsored by the Lions Club of Winnipeg.
Instruments aplenty with violins, violas, cellos, string bass, flutes, oboe, bassoon, clarinets, trumpets, trombones, French horns, percussion and tuba shared some astounding Christmas Music. The audience embraced the sound of the music with a terrific joy and happiness of the season.
Mary Ann Taylor, the Concert Master and Assistant Conductor, as well as an accomplished violinist and singer, performed with grace and had the audience clapping and singing along with her and the Orchestra; including such songs as Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Jingle Bells Forever, and Silent Night.
The Halls were adorned with Christmas decorations and a beautiful Christmas tree with lights all over. Everyone was in a cheerful spirit throughout the concert and even more so following the show.
Many people from the church organized the event in collaboration with the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra. Mary Ann Taylor was presented with red roses for her astounding performance and direction of the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra.
During closing remarks Diane Skalenda thanked everyone for attending and a special thanks for the extraordinary concert performed by Mary Ann Taylor and Winnipeg Pops Orchestra; inviting everyone to enjoy a beautiful display of home baked cookies and refreshments for the people to mingle and talk about the wonderful concert they experienced to chime them into the Christmas Season.
This celebration featured a great sense of community, a joyous event for a very good cause with entertainment for all to enjoy.
All photos by M. LeBlanc