Choraleers present ‘Colors of Christmas’

Photo provided by Pei Pei Gunter

The Canyon Lake Choraleers performed their holiday concert to a sold-out audience on Sunday in the Holiday Bay Room at the lodge. The “Colors of Christmas” featured a variety of holiday music and the debut of the newly formed Children’s Choir, who charmed the audience with “Christmas Time is Here.”

The ensemble, under the direction of Lorilee Bajema, was accompanied by Lynda Salina on the piano, Bruce Bonde on the drums, Kylene Evans on the harp, Ron Martel on the bass, Daryl Ballou on the guitar and Ellen Meyer on the flute.

The first half of the performance set the scene of a sparse winter landscape. The second half was transformed into color.

Photo provided by Pei Pei Gunter

In celebration of his 40th wedding anniversary, tenor Larry Garland swooped his wife Linda on stage where he serenaded her with a rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas” in front of a rapt audience. The song “Sisters” from “White Christmas” was also a crowd-pleaser.

Intermission featured an opportunity drawing for 11 themed baskets valued at approximately $100 each.

The audience showed their enthusiasm for the two-hour production with a standing ovation. Sunday’s performance completed the 2019 season. The Choraleers will be performing two shows for their upcoming spring concert, “Africa,” in May 2020.