Two choral performances will delight audiences

Nothing brings to mind the meaning of the holidays more than music. In this busy time of year, as schedules become hectic with shopping, decorating and menu-planning, an afternoon of beautiful music will soothe the soul.

Canyon Lakers have two such afternoons coming up in the weeks ahead. The first is the Gary Bonner Singers concert on Sunday afternoon, November 29, at 3 p.m. at the Lodge. Co-sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild and the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association, this professional choral group has delighted Canyon Lake audiences on several previous occasions.

As Fine Arts Guild President Travis Montgomery points out, “The aesthetics of their appearance, coupled with the precision and magic of the sound they produce, causes first time concert attendees to literally drop their jaws in amazement and to thrill returning concert goers.”

The 60-voice ensemble will sing Christmas carols and other seasonal favorites. Tickets are now on sale for $25 per person at the CLPOA Office, at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006.

Under the direction of Dr. Gary Bonner, the Gary Bonner Singers have completed 21 recordings, four commissioned albums, five Christmas albums, a spirituals collection in Spain, and a sacred classics collection recorded in Prague with the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

The groups has been honored to perform at the White House Holiday Open House in December 2006, December 2008 and December 2011, chosen from a large number of applicants from across the country. Ranging in age from 18 to 60, the singers represent a wide diversity of backgrounds and occupations.

Dr. Bonner is an internationally recognized conductor and trainer of conductors. In May 2012, he retired as founding dean of the California Baptist University School of Music in Riverside, where he directed the 140-member CBU Choir and Orchestra.

During his 23 years at Azusa Pacific University, he served as founding dean of the School of Music and director of the University Choir and Orchestra. Among his many accolades before and since, Dr. Bonner was the first American to conduct at the International Church Music Festival in Oberammergau, Germany, sharing the podium with Sir David Willcocks of Great Britain.

Dr. Bonner also is the founder of The Bonner Institute for the Advancement of Choral Music, training hundreds of conductors and musicians through the institute’s workshops. Out of his love for the grand tradition of choral music, he formed the Gary Bonner Singers in 1995.

Choraleers Holiday Concert

The Choraleers Holiday Concert may not have the same polish as the Gary Bonner Singers concert, but these hometown musicians make up for it with enthusiasm and a selection of Christmas favorites to warm the holidays.

Held the same day as the Parade of Lights, this concert makes it possible for Canyon Lakers to provide a full day of entertainment for their out-of-town guests. The Choraleers Christmas Concert will be held Saturday, December 12, at 3 p.m. at the Lodge. Tickets are just $10 by contacting any member of the choir, canyonlakechoraleers@gmail.com or 951-821-8883. They also may be purchased at the CLPOA Office or at www.brownpapertickets.com.

The Lighthouse Restaurant will be taking reservations that evening for dinner with a view of the Parade of Lights, so make a day of it!