For the Salvation Army, there is no better way to initiate the giving season than with a spectacular musical event. Immerse yourself in the sounds and spirit of Christmas at Roy Thomson Hall on December 2. It’s the only time of year that the Canadian Staff Band, Canadian Staff Songsters, NEON, the Festival Chorus, and organist Ian Sadler come together for an unforgettable symphonic experience.
Christmas with the Salvation Army unites over 100 gifted musicians and singers under the artistic direction of the Music and Arts Ministries team for an inclusive performance that includes something for everyone—from a rock band to a drumline and from traditional carols to an excerpt from Handel’s Messiah.
This year, the show features Canadian soprano Miriam Khalil. Heather Osmond, the Territorial Music and Arts Secretary of the Salvation Army says that Khalil’s impressive vocals and surprising vocal range will transfix audiences, “She is absolutely stunning to watch live. And I think anybody who comes to see her will agree she’s just so engaging.”
“There’s no greater time of the year to think about family, friends and all the wonderful people in our communities. I look forward to celebrating through the wonderful power of music and voice,” Khalil says.
Divisional Secretary for Public Relations at the Salvation Army, Glenn Van Gulik, believes in the power of experiencing the music of Christmas live and in person, “I think it’s a beautiful way to step into a place where so many people are there with the hopefulness of the season in their hearts.”
Get daily National news
Van Gulik, who has been attending the event for many years ,looks forward to the part of the performance when everyone in attendance is invited to participate in a sing along. “I find that to be one of the most moving moments of my Christmas tradition. I think it’s just a perfect representation of what Christmas is all about.”
For him and so many others celebrating this time of year, the Salvation Army is woven into the tradition of Christmas. Salvation Army’s connection to music harkens back to its beginnings. It’s part of the DNA of this faith-based organization. This Christmas tradition is also synonymous with giving and caring, not only for family and friends but also those we don’t know in our community.
Programs like the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle campaign, which has been running for over 100 years, supports the work of the Salvation Army. Every dollar that goes into those Christmas Kettles stays local to the community in which it is given. This concert is an opportunity to bring together donors, volunteers, and the community partners that work with the Salvation Army to celebrate the season and to thank them for keeping the tradition of giving alive.
This year, Van Gulik has seen the need for giving grow exponentially. Nationally “last year we supported over 2.7 million people.” Those are daunting numbers, each of those people are an individual, are a neighbour that can be living two doors down from you or across the street from me.”
This year, the number is projected to be significantly higher.
Now more than ever, individuals and families are looking to the Salvation Army for support. In the over 400 communities across Canada and Bermuda that Salvation Army supports, Van Gulik explains that “individuals are really struggling with the cost of inflation, the cost of groceries, the cost of gas for their cars, and they’re needing to make decisions between do I pay my rent, or do I put food on the table?”
Together with community partners, the Salvation Army’s frontline workers and volunteers connect with individuals who are struggling to make these decisions and help bridge the gap.
Catch the Christmas Spirit on Dec. 2 at Roy Thomson Hall. The Salvation Army invites you to an immersive and interactive musical experience celebrating Christmas and community. Featuring two-time Juno—nominated artist, Miriam Khalil. Buy tickets here.