The Light Of Hope Returning
The Light of Hope Returning: a Folk Oratorio for Winter Solstice is a concert-length work combining familiar folk and traditional carols, such as Lo, How a Rose in a gospel rendition and a bluegrass treatment of Angels We Have on High, with new compositions on the themes of the Morning Star, Winter Solstice and the New Year. The music, interspersed with beautiful readings, forms a dramatic arc with the audience being led on a candle-filled journey from distant hope, through darkness, and finally back into the return of the light of hope.
The oratorio was composed by Shawn Kirchner during the pandemic and, in the few short years since its debut by the internationally-renowned Elektra Choir (Vancouver) and WomenSing (San Francisco), it has been presented by numerous distinguished choirs all over North America. This fall, Nanaimo’s own Island Bel Canto Singers will introduce The Light of Hope Returning to Nanaimo and Oceanside audiences, along with master musicians from the Central Island: Stefanie Unger (piano), Karl Rainer (violin), Hannah Wilson (cello), Laurie Meijer-Drees (double bass), Karen Withers-Janssen (flute), Brent Pattison (saxophone).
We hope that you will join us on this winter journey.
Saturday, November 28, 2026 7:30 PM
St. Andrews United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo
Saturday, December 5, 2026 7:30 PM
Knox United Church, 345 Pym Street, Parksville
Tickets will be available through the Port Theatre box office shortly.
Prices are: $30 Adults; $15 under 25; Free under 12.
Nanaimo Carol Festival
A beloved annual community concert featuring a parade of Nanaimo choirs and
sing-a-long Christmas carols sure to uplift with the sounds of the festive season!
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 TBA
St. Andrews United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo
Endless Song: 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration
We celebrate 30 years of singing with a reprise of favourite pieces from the past three decades and some very special guests!
Saturday, April 17, 2027 TBA
St. Andrews United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo
Fantasia
Island Bel Canto Singers will guest at Malaspina Choir’s Fantasia. The singers will reprise some repertoire from their April 17th concert. Highlights will be when almost 100 singers join forces for the finale. Other highlights will be when both choir’s talented pianists, Stefanie Unger and Jenny Vincent, play works that are supported with ‘piano four hands’ accompaniment, including Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy (sung by Malaspina Choir) and Moon Goddess (sung by Island Bel Canto). The Bel Canto singers will sing their most fanciful works in their own set. Tickets through the Port Box Office, from singers, and at the door.
Saturday, May 1, 2027 7:30PM
St. Andrews United Church, 315 Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo