An authentic German Christmas Market must have a choir singing authentic German Christmas carols, explains the president of the Vancouver-based Concordia Choir.
Karin Frank told the Courier performances by the choir add to the atmosphere of the Vancouver Christmas Market, which is modelled after a style of market commonly found in German villages and towns.
We sing mostly German songs, some that are very old from the Baroque era, said Frank. We add to what the market is all about.
The Concordia Choir, which celebrates its 35 anniversary this year, is associated with the Vancouver Alpen Club, a group formed in 1935 that brings together members of the German speaking community of Metro Vancouver. The Alpen Club is located on Victoria Drive near East 33rd Avenue in a building that contains the popular German restaurant Deutsches Haus.
Frank said the choir was formed to not only allow German-speaking music lovers to come together and sing, but also as a way to help preserve ancient folk songs and traditions from that country. Frank noted non-German speaking singers are also welcome to join the choir, which performs songs in many languages. Todays Concordia Choir has about 30 mostly German-born members whom together perform several concerts a year, besides singing in seniors homes, at the annual Fair at the PNE and at festivals across Metro Vancouver.
Frank says the choir was well received during its performances at the Vancouver Christmas Market last year and she expected the same response when it performed Dec. 1.
The Concordia Choir is just one of dozens of entertainers performing at the Christmas market this year. Market goers can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or warm cider and a host of German food while enjoying Christmas inspired performances by Dal Richards and his Orchestra, the German Junior Folk Dancers, the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, Phat Santa Swing, Santas Brass Band and the Vancouver Fiddle Club. New to the market this year is the Christmas Carousel. Visitors can also have their picture taken with Santa, interact with roaming artists from Public Dreams and watch flame-working, glass artist Braden Hammond in action.
The Vancouver Christmas Market is located on the plaza outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, at the corner of Georgia and Hamilton streets. The market is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. now through to Dec. 23 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 24. For more information visit vancouverchristmasmarket.com.
Twitter: @sthomas10
