Violinist Jenny Banai and guitarist Christine Schroeder will be in Hope this Sunday for an acoustic Christmas concert.
The performance will feature the friends singing mostly classic Christian carols as well as a couple songs that aren’t as well known, including one written by Schroeder. The duo will also be playing several different instruments.
“It’s still early in December, so it’s just about getting into the spirit of Christmas,” said Schroeder. “It’s amazing reading the lyrics of these old carols, how rich they are and how they convey the meaning of Christmas. It’s nice to have crowd participation and be there all together.”
Both artists have connections to the community – Banai’s aunt, uncle and grandmother currently live in Hope and Schroeder’s dad’s cousin is former councillor and resident Steve Schroeder.
Banai picked up her great grandfather’s violin at the age of 10 and has not stopped playing or singing since. She’s currently collaborating with producers/artists Jordan Klassen and Daniel Klenner on her debut album at The Space Studios in Vancouver. Banai hopes to preserve an intimate and creative sound for her unconventional melodies, which are woven together with words of passion for life, love and the author of both.
Schroeder is an alternative folk artist from Vancouver who performs at various venues around the Lower Mainland. She comes from a musical family and has been singing and playing guitar for most of her life. With an Associate of Arts in Music & Ministry Diploma, Schroeder is frequently found leading and arranging music for many Vancouver area churches. She also recently toured Asia, Africa and Australia singing for many church groups. Her love and passion for singing and creating music has trickled over to other projects including having her perform as a guest on albums and at live shows.
The acoustic Christmas concert on Dec. 7 runs from 2-3:30 p.m. in the conference room at the Hope recreation centre. Refreshments and snacks will be provided during intermission. Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door.
For more information about the concert, contact the recreation centre at 604-869-2304.