For 50 years, the Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree has brought people together to celebrate the holiday season. It has been noted as one of the top Christmas events in the world through various media over the years and for good reason. It takes over 300 people to bring it to life including singers, musicians, dancers, stage crew and technicians. This series of performances at the Jubilee will be their last.
John Cameron has been associated with the extravaganza since 1983. He eventually became producer and director, as well as performing (piano and singing) and conducting. Originally, the Tree was performed at the Central Penetacostal Tabernacle in Edmonton. Under Cameron’s leadership, the show eventually moved to the Jubilee Auditorium in 2009 after a three-year hiatus and has been there ever since.
Cameron is also the man behind the John Cameron Changing Lives Foundation, which has channeled the funds raised through the show to support organizations such as Santas Anonymous, Edmonton’s Food Bank and the Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area. More recently, the foundation has directed proceeds towards mental health initiatives supporting the Addiction and Mental Health Access 24/7 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
After many successful years, the decision was made to move on. “It’s been a 50-year tradition in Edmonton and lots of people have come and seen it and it’s just time to move on and we’re gonna’ go out with a great big bang,” said Cameron.
Production World is the live event production company associated with the Tree in the early 2000’s and since John Cameron moved it to the Jubilee. “It’s a show we have always been very proud of,” says Jon Beckett, President. “Not only do we have the chance to support the community, it gives our team the opportunity to show their skill and artistry.”
The Singing Christmas Tree concert includes 150 choir members ensconced in a 35-foot tree, 60-voice children’s choir, 60-piece orchestra, and dancers performing through a 21-song set, just over two hours of entertainment.
“It is one of the most technically challenging shows we do,” says Kelly Kimo, VP of Production World. “It takes a crew of 50 people three days to load in and set up.” The technical scope of the show is certainly mind boggling. More than 4,000,000 pixels generating light are programmed to change every second on the over 400 video panels. There are close to 100 channels of sound including 14 mics for the singers on the nine levels of the tree, 12 mics for solo singers, and 17 pairs of in-ear monitors.
The 50th Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree runs at the Jubilee December 19th to 22nd.
Thursday, December 19th 2019 at 7:00PM
Friday, December 20th 2019 at 7:00PM
Saturday, December 21st 2019 at 2:00PM
Saturday, December 21st 2019 at 7:00PM
Sunday, December 22nd 2019 at 1:00PM
Tickets are scarce, but here’s where you might find some. GET TICKETS.
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among brothers,
To make music in the heart.
– Howard Thurman
From all of us at Production World and Shop Production World, we wish everyone a safe and happy time with friends and family.
