TORONTO-On Saturday, December 2, Salvationists and friends gathered at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall for the fourth annual Christmas With The Salvation Army. The large audience enjoyed the seasonal music, drama and large-screen visual presentations, all of which combined to make it a memorable evening.
Guest vocalist Jude Gotrich captivated the audience with her sparkling rendition of Come, Let Us Worship the King and John Rutter’s beautiful Candlelight Carol. Other featured guests were the Duncan Hopkins Quartet, who lent their distinctive jazz sound to several items throughout the evening, including O Christmas Tree, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Lament for the Lost, all arranged by Duncan especially for the occasion.

Many commented afterwards that the Festival Chorus, led by Major Len Ballantine, was they best they had heard in several years. From Running With the Shepherds and the lighthearted Innkeeper’s Song to James Curnow’s Christ’s Part, their music truly contributed an inspirational touch to the program. As always, Bill Way sparkled with his piano and keyboard accompaniments, supported by Elizabeth Colley, flute, and Doug Elvin, bass.

The Canadian Staff Band, under Bandmaster Brian Burditt, contributed two major works-Leroy Anderson’s A Christmas Festival and William Himes’ Three Kings Swing, which featured a cornet solo by Staff Bandsman Brindley Venables, 17, that brought the house down.

Throughout the evening the audience was delighted with the antics of two of Santa’s elves, cleverly portrayed by Kathryn Ballantine and Jessica Willis. In addition, author Connie Knighton contributed by reading a poignant story describing one person’s life-changing encounter with The Salvation Army at Christmastime.

Audience participation ranged from traditional carols such as O Come, All Ye Faithful and The First Noel to the warm holiday favourite, I’ll Be Home For Christmas. Items throughout the program were enhanced by creative visual images expertly assembled by Kim Garreffa, contemporary music consultant, THQ.

The night ended with a moving visual presentation of Salvation Army ministry around the world and an inspirational thought from Colonel Glen Shepherd, chief secretary. Then before the final carol and benediction, all the musical forces combined to present Christmastime is Here as one final massed item. For many in the audience who didn’t know much about The Salvation Army, it had been a truly memorable evening and a wonderful way to usher in the Christmas season.