Heritage Singers delight with Christmas Concert Choir regales listeners with impressive selection of performances

The Heritage Singers perform very few concerts throughout the year but when they do, it’s be worth the wait. The local choir held their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 9 at the Central Lutheran Church, putting together a selection of offerings that celebrated the season, while showing off their impressive musical talents. “We always look forward to these concerts; it’s a chance to show off their skills and they really enjoy having a chance to perform for their families and friends,” said Heritage Singers director Brenda Johnson. Around 120 people took in the 22-piece, all-woman chorus, with soprano and alto singers performing a wide range of harmonies accompanied by Wanda Reid on piano. The result is a show that’s far from what you’d hear from your average church choir. “They’re a lovely group of ladies,” said Johnson, who has been directing the Singers since 2003. “I love working with them and they’ve made me into a better person. We just love having the opportunity to share this gift.” The Heritage Singers practice Tuesday mornings at the Free Methodist Church and perform two concerts annually, with their Spring concert taking place in the new year. The choir originally started out as the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers before a lack of male singers saw them adopt their new and current moniker in 2006.

The choir has come together over the years largely through word of mouth, with plenty of talented performers looking show their talents. “Somebody comes out, friends invite friends and things like that.. a lot of the ladies just invite people,” Johnson said. “Others just come to our concerts and come to me after and say, ‘we’d really like to join your choir’. Just by coming and listening and loving the joy of singing.

“When you get a chance to perform in front of people like this, so many friends and family, it’s just a great time and a lot of fun.”