The Embassy of Canada held its Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Reception on Thursday, December 6th, with Ambassador of Canada to the United States and host Gary Doer, who is also the Gala’s Honorary Patron.
The evening began with a private VIP Cocktail Party in honor of the Choral Arts 32nd Annual Holiday Concert and Gala, and guests included Choral Arts Board members, Gala sponsors such as Northrop Grumman’s Amy Caro with husband TJ, and chorister and co-chair of the Gala Auction Mary Shaffran and her husband Jim.
Gala Finance Chair Catherine C. Jones thanked the Embassy of Canada for its patronage, acknowledging guests such as Gala co-chairs George and Ashley Wilson, and Jennifer Spade from Terremark, a Verizon Company. Choral Arts Executive Director Debra Kraft was also in attendance.
As room lights dimmed, Deanna Horton, Canadian Minister Congressional of Public and Intergovernmental Relations said, “Let there be light.”
Afterwards, guests enjoyed the chorus performing “A Huron Carol,” a Canadian song and oldest Christmas carol in North America, under the direction of Choral Arts Artistic Director Scott Tucker. In fact, this year’s Gala theme, “In the Moon of Winter Time,” was inspired by the first line of the song.
The Gala takes place this coming Monday, December 17th.
More pictures from the event are below: