For the second year, due to COVID-19, the 26th anniversary of the traditional Nightingale Chorus show was cancelled. In its place, The Christmas Ribbon, a large choral group, will continue the Nightingale Chorus tradition again in 2021 to help kick off the holiday season and bring joy to members of the community. This group will come together and perform songs of the season outdoors at nursing and long-term care homes, Bluewater Health, and neighborhoods throughout Lambton County.

A partnership with Bluewater Health Foundation, The Christmas Ribbon has been vetted and approved by Lambton Health Unit through consultation with their Workplace and Municipal COVID-19 Liaison Team. Last year the Ribbon performed at 15 locations and the feedback from spectators was overwhelmingly positive.

Outdoor performances will again be coordinated with long term care home management while taking into account all safety measures that may apply. Residents and front line workers will be able to view and hear the chorus from their windows, patios, etc. Locations will be announced in a limited time frame before the performance in order to avoid the gathering of crowds.

In addition to sharing the gift of music with the community, The Christmas Ribbon hopes to inspire in others a spirit of giving during the holiday season. Any donations to or sponsorship of The Christmas Ribbon will support Access Open Minds Youth Mental Health Initiative. ACCESS Open Minds is a partnership between Bluewater Health, Canadian Mental Health Association and St. Clair Child and Youth. These organizations are working together to build a community based mental health treatment facility that will provide care, treatment and resources to youth and young adults in Sarnia-Lambton. All gifts will make a tremendous difference. All contributions over $20 will be eligible for a tax receipt. Donations can be made online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/thechristmasribbon

A Facebook group has been created to thank and highlight the contributions made by local businesses, individuals and community groups to this initiative. The page will also share livestreams of performances for the community to enjoy and share some Nightingale history and performances from years past. The group can be found at www.facebook.com/groups/3201175729994510 or by searching The Christmas Ribbon.

The Nightingale Chorus first hit the stage in December of 1995. An idea Carrie Beauchamp and Gigi Walent-Burke had while driving home from dinner one night, it was inspired by their combined love for music and Christmas. It was a humble beginning and consisted of 26 children, 13 women and one man, all of whom were asked to put their trust in Carrie and Gigi to bring together the sounds of the season.

Thanks to the enthusiasm of Sarnia audiences, talented performers and dedicated crew, 26years later the Nightingale Chorus has become a Christmas tradition for thousands in the community. The production, with a cast and crew 150 strong, performs on elaborate Victorian sets with stunning period costumes, creating a magical visual backdrop.

Nightingale has transitioned from a simple concert to a production that consists of 32 beautifully arranged Christmas songs filled with gorgeous harmonies, woven together by a heartwarming Christmas story. With sellout audiences and performers spanning three generations, The Nightingale Chorus hopes to continue this tradition for years to come.