The Choir joined with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to bring to life Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. This Ballet has been a tradition in Winnipeg for many years and the choir was delighted to once again be a part of the performances.

The choir, along with some alumnae volunteers performed in all seven performances this year. Additionally, the choir provided pre-show entertainment with Carols in the Piano Nobile before six performances.

The Nutcracker experience is always a positive and exciting one. We asked the singers to tell us what their favorite part of singing in the Nutcracker was; here are some of the things the choristers are saying:

“When I sang in the Piano Nobile and Nutcracker”. - common response from 8-10 year olds

“This is my first year doing the Nutcracker.” I really enjoy singing in front of all the people while being in the orchestra pit. Even though I don’t know what’s going on above us, I can tell by the music it is sweet and calming. I loved performing at the “Nutcracker” and I cannot wait till next year to do it again!” - Michaela, age 12, first year in Nutcracker

“My favourite part is being down in the pit. It’s really cool because you can see all the orchestra players and it’s dark but it’s awesome!” - Rachel, age 12, second year in Nutcracker

“I loved the very first time I participated. All the other times I loved it, but the first time was special. Everything was so new and exciting. The first time we went to the pit, my eyes – my mom says- were as big as saucers. It was amazing and I went and bragged to all my friends at school that I’d been in the Orchestra Pit! They were all in Awe!” “Another memory that I really remember is the first time we had two performances on the same day. We were all hanging out and playing together. It was kind of like one big happy family.” - Marianne, age 12, fourth year in Nutcracker

“I look forward to the nutcracker every year. I love being able to see some of the dances and love singing with the WSO right around you!” - Katrina, Alumni, fifth year in Nutcracker

“Hearing the live music from the pit. It’s amazing getting to see the musicians perform so close up.” - Alie, Alumni, sixth year in Nutcracker 

The choir performed at three special Christmas events during the 2012 season: 

Christkindlmarkt
Following a long-standing tradition of the Winnipeg Mennonite Children’s Choir, the WCC performed on Dec. 2nd at Christkindlmarkt at Fort Garry Place, as they have done since the choir’s founding. This annual Christmas market is a product of the German Canadian Congress, celebrating German Christmas traditions. The weekend long event features entertainment, merchandise tables and a bakery/coffee house.

The choristers performed 12 selections; six German, 3 German and English and 3 English songs. We were appreciative of the involvement of Ernie Dyck, father of chorister Julia, who accompanied us on the guitar for Hey Little Bull a Latin-American selection.

The German Canadian congress provided the choristers with an Advent Calendar with chocolate treats for each day leading to Christmas.

Caroling at Bethania Personal Care Home
On Dec. 6th the choir presented a Candlelight Service at Bethania Personal Care Home. The Service was comprised of Hymns and Scripture readings telling the Christmas story. Two choristers, Nicole Friesen and Marianne Sawatsky read the Bible verses in both German and English and the Choir and Congregational songs were also sung in both languages.

The service was followed by a wonderful refreshment table, prepared by the Bethania dietary department, and an opportunity for families to visit and interact with residents of Bethania.

The Winnipeg Children’s Choir has been caroling at Bethania annually since its founding, carrying on the tradition of the Winnipeg Mennonite Children’s Choir. This special service was a joy for the choristers to experience.

Ukraine Project Fund Raising Children’s Choir Concert
The Winnipeg Children’s Choir, together with the Ukrainian Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Vladimir and Olga Children’s Choir, directed by Miroslava Paches, presented a Ukrainian/German/English concert on Dec. 16th at Bethel Mennonite Church.

This concert was a fundraising event for the Mennonite Family Centre in Zaporizhzhya, Ukraine. The Centre’s purpose is to develop and deliver health and social services based on Christian values from a Mennonite perspective.

The two choirs both have a historical connection to the Ukraine and proceeds from this concert will support the work of “The Right to Life for Children with Special Needs” in that community. The choristers and directors were pleased to be able to participate in this program to help children in another part of the world.