CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT: New Panama tradition moves to Cinta Costera
By Dylis Jones
YOU MAY not yet be counting the shopping days to Christmas but Panama’s new Christmas tradition, CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT is, at the time of writing, only 48 days away.
If you are looking to get the best reserved seats you can likely count on only about four weeks , as since the announcement of the event at the Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner October 12 over 120 have already been reserved, and that number is expected to treble by month end. The organizers, The CanadaPLUS Club have a reputation for early sell outs.
The third presentation of Carols by Candlelight/Luces de Navidad Festival will take place this year, Saturday December 7 at the new Mirador Pacifico park on the Cinta Costera.
The event, which will raise funds for Hogar Malambo and Santo Tomas Hospital will be preceded by a candlelight parade of 1,000 children, led by marching bands.
The audience participation concert will feature eight performing groups and two soloists, and will include the world premiere of a carol written specially for the event by a renowned Canadian composer, which will be sung by a visiting Canadian choir.
Each performing group will present a selection of carols of their own choice, and will then invite the audience to join in singing a selected carol. They will find the words in English and Spanish in an illustrated book produced for the occasion.
Viewing the concert is free, but there will be a limited number of reserved seats available at $20, and $15, Both prices include an LED candle, which will carry your seat number.
If you want to take your own stool, sit on the grass or stand, but would like to join the candle waving crowd and help support two worthy causes you can make a donation of $5 or $10. Orders of $30 or more will be delivered to your home or office if you live in Panama City or environs.
The candlelight parade will start at 6.30 pm, and the concert will begin at 7 pm sharp with a special opening event you won’t want to miss.
The concert will end with a theatrical flare including massed choirs and fireworks.
The performers this year are:
Knightsbridge Schools International, King’s College, Hogar Malambo, Coro Redencion, G-Harmony, Coro Cantos De Victoria, Opera Panama, the Thames Valley Community Choir, Odette Verailles and DavidL, with actress-choreographer Melanie Gilpin as the Stage Director.
The event, organized by the CanadaPLUS Club, is supported by INAC, Alcaldia de Panama, and the MoP and the Canadian Embassy and sponsored by Copa Airlines, Ducruet Insurance, El Siglo, La Estrella, La Prensa, Newsroom, Panama Pacifico, The US Embassy, and The Visitor .
Visit https://www.facebook.com/panamacarols for more information and updates.
If you want to ensure good seating (there will be places for handicapped spectators) put in your bid early
You can make reservations, or order candles, by calling 6619 -6890 or by email to carolspanama@gmail.com.
