Arbutus Singers celebrate 20 years

Christmas concert marks anniversary

The Arbutus Singers will celebrate two decades of entertaining and fundraising with a 20th anniversary Christmas concert at Alix Goolden Performance Hall tonight.

Over the past 20 years, membership of the six-part choir has grown from 15 to 80 men and women.

During the same period, the group has raised more than $300,000 for local charities and established the ChoirKids Program, a choral music program for elementary school children, in partnership with the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

“The very dedicated and generous support these wonderful 80 members of the Arbutus Singers are putting into ensuring the ChoirKids program continues each year is something we are all very thankful for,” said Stephen Green, dean of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

The partnership allows the Arbutus Singers to eliminate the cost of space rental, thereby maximizing revenue generated from concerts.

“It seemed like such a natural fit for the conservatory to provide administrative and management support and leadership to the ChoirKids Program, and allow the Arbutus Singers to do what we do pretty well, which is raise money,” said Jack Boomer, director of the Arbutus Singers.

The collaboration has not gone unnoticed.

“This is exactly the kind of collaboration we’re so delighted to see and support in our community,” said Sandra Richardson, chief executive officer of the Victoria Foundation .

“When organizations come together, they can better ensure the sustainability of their great work in our region and contribute to a vibrant, caring community for all.”

Tonight’s entertainment begins with Kitchen Party, a singalong carolling party from 7 to 7:30 p.m. It will be followed by the Arbutus Singers Christmas Concert from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors or students and $30 for a family pack.

There will be light refreshments following the concert. Both events take place at Alix Goolden Performance Hall, at 907 Pandora Ave. For tickets, contact the Victoria Conservatory of Music at 250-386-5311 or go to arbutussingers.com.