– by Gillian Crowley –
Artistic Celebrations
Celebrate the season by immersing yourself in the Peninsula’s arts and music scene and check out our artisans’ one-of-a kind gifts. May you all have a joyous December!
Here We Come A-Carolling
The Peninsula Singers are bound to get even Scrooge in the Christmas mood with favourites from Beethoven’s “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You,” and a new arrangement of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” to more secular songs like “Jing-a-ling, Jing-a-ling.” This 65-voice show choir will remind you of the joy this season brings. Their “Spotlight on a Young Artist” features the young and very talented Erik Lin from Victoria, fresh from his performance at the Splash this summer. Dec. 5 and 6, 7:30 pm and Dec. 7 matinee at 2:00 pm. Tickets: Mary Winspear Centre 250-656-0275 or www.marywinspear.ca.
Artisans’ Gift Gallery
A showcase for 55 local artisans and a boon for last-minute shoppers, this gift gallery will run through December 23. Drop in to admire their talented works and buy something unique for someone special. Paintings, photography, fine fabric arts and wearables, woodworking, pottery, carvings and jewelry for the grown-ups and wooden toys and hand puppets for the kids. A perfect way to support local artists and artisans. Tues-Sun, 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 14. Community Arts Centre in Tulista Park, 9565 Fifth Street, Sidney.
Handel’s Messiah
Every three years Via Choralis brings this classic musical experience to Sidney. Don’t miss it! Handel’s oratorio was first performed in 1742 and has been loved by audiences ever since. Despite being completed in just 24 days, the music is of incredible beauty and craftsmanship. Via Choralis is a mixed voice community chamber choir located on the Saanich Peninsula. The choir will be accompanied by a 20-piece professional orchestra and led by artistic director Nicholas Fairbank. Soloists: Anna Shill (soprano), Tasha Farivar (mezzo-soprano), Adam Dyjach (tenor) and Nicholas Allen (bass). Tickets at Tanner’s Books, 2436 Beacon Ave. Sat. Dec. 13, 7:00 pm and Sun. Dec. 14 at 2:00 pm. St. Elizabeth’s Church, 10030 Third St., Sidney.
A Touch of Salt Spring Craft and Art Show
Originating on Salt Spring Island in 1991, this show has grown to more than 230 crafters and artisans. Now held at the Panorama Recreation Centre, it’s become so popular that organizers have arranged for overflow parking and a shuttle bus from the Sidney/North Saanich Little League (Rotary) Park near the airport. Come to see what’s new and revisit your favourites. Dec. 5, 10 am – 8 pm and Dec. 6-7, 10 am – 5 pm. Panorama Recreation Centre, 1885 Forest Park Dr., North Saanich
A Christmas Pantomime
Another local holiday tradition is the Christmas “panto” by the Peninsula Players. This production at the Charlie White Theatre combines the classic Dickens tale with the hilarious antics of an old-fashioned pantomime: villains, heroes, slapstick, corny jokes and sing-alongs accompanied by a live band. Fun and laughs for everyone! Dec. 19, 20 & 26 at 7:30 pm and Dec. 21, 27 & 28 at 2:00 pm. Tickets: Mary Winspear Centre, 250-656-0275.
