Spirited performances by Community choirs illuminate the 2017 Lights of Christmas presented by PAYCE

• 23rd December, 2016.
  St Mary`s Cathedral, Sydney NSW. Bill Smith PAYCE Head Office 2016-12-23

Sydney Community Choirs Illuminate St Mary`s Cathedral over Christmas.

Several popular community choirs made impressive guest appearances last night at the festive event, Lights of Christmas. Presented by PAYCE, the event was held on the beautiful St Mary's Cathedral forecourt in what has become a lovingly anticipated tradition in Sydney.

The acclaimed Sydney Street Choir, who was joined by the Riverwood Community Choir and the Stairwell to Heaven Acapella Choir from the inner city suburb of Annandale, delivered a spirited performance which rang in the Christmas spirit for 2016.

PAYCE Proud to Support the Community Choirs – Brian Boyd.

Supported year round by PAYCE, both the Sydney Street Choir and the Riverwood Community Choir are integral to building strong community ties, says PAYCE Managing Director Brian Boyd. Mr Boyd extended his congratulations to the choir members, stating PAYCE are very proud to support the efforts of the vocal groups.

Counting almost 50 members, the combined choir-members were warmly welcomed by the large audience in attendance and the players poured their heart and soul into each song. Vocal and instrumental solos by individual players were a true highlight of the performance.

The Sydney Street Choir has been performing and entertaining since 2001 and is the longest running choir in the country for people dealing with homelessness and social or economic disadvantage. Riverwood Community Choir was formed just two years ago around residents from in and around Washington Park in Riverwood North and since then has featured prominently in local community events. The Stairwell to Heaven Choir was formed in 1998 when parents at the Annandale North Public School were re-introduced to the joys of singing.

The choir for the 2016 performance was led by Choir Director, James Paul, well known for his work with youth and disadvantaged groups in and around Sydney.

Lights of Christmas has become a Must See event in Sydney – Brian Boyd.

The Lights of Christmas is part of the city's annual festive celebrations and has delighted large crowds over the past fortnight with spectacular moving images projected onto the Cathedral's sandstone façade.

This iconic event has become one of the city's most anticipated shows in the lead up to Christmas, drawing over 350,000 attendees last year. Last night saw one of the biggest audiences this year, with capacity crowds enjoying the performances.

Thematically, the light and sound show this year is based around Joy to the World, featuring the classic Christmas tale of the Nutcracker Suite along with a spectacular selection of Madonna and Child images as painted by some of the great Masters.

As the sun set and the choir bid everyone farewell, the Cathedral façade was bathed in stunning colour as the light show got underway. The younger audience members were mesmerised by the iconic images.

An Outstanding Presentation by the Artists – Brian Boyd.

PAYCE Managing Director, Brian Boyd said this year's presentation by the artists and the content of the light show was outstanding.

"This week's performance in particular by the Sydney Street Choir and our friends from Riverwood and Annandale was a wonderful opportunity to share their wonderful zest and pure joy of singing with thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors," Brian Boyd said.

"PAYCE is very proud to be associated with this annual event and we thank everyone involved with the organisation and presentation for their fantastic efforts which have been so appreciated and enjoyed in the lead up to Christmas," continued Mr. Boyd.

PAYCE Director, Dominic Sullivan said it was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the performances and coming together to share the choirs' community spirit and love of singing at this special time of year.