BONNYVILLE - The St. Louis Catholic Church reverberated with local choirs spreading the holiday spirit at the annual Christmas Choir Festival. The event raised $2,051 for the Knights of Columbus Hampers and Santa’s Elves to help deliver food and gifts to those in need over the holidays.
The host choir, The Tuneagers, presented the event on Dec. 5, and featured four other choirs including the Bonnyville Singers, Chorale St. Louis de France, Elk Point Community Choir, and Les Musicos de St. Paul.
The choirs each gave a few performances of Christmas songs, with all the choirs coming together to sing a grand finale that received a standing ovation.
Tuneagers director Sharon Sharun explained the choirs had rehearsed the two encore songs separately, and this was the first time they sang it together. Sharun expressed her delight and surprise at just how well the choirs came together for the finale.
Volunteer emcees Erin Murphy and Vince Spila regaled the audience with a host of Christmas jokes so bad that they were good and got the crowd laughing with their banter.
Murphy expressed how wonderful it was to gather and share a beautiful evening filled with holiday cheer.
“We are thrilled to have such talented choirs here tonight,” said Murphy. “It’s an evening that I always look forward to every year.”
Spila reminded the audience that the holidays are not just about the food and the gifts, but the people we share the moments with.
Les Musicos de St. Paul director Don Buryn expressed his gratitude for the event.
“This is a blessing, and we love it,” said Buryn.
