The approaching Christmas season wouldn’t be the same without the strains of choral music to accompany it.

Fortunately in Oceanside there are vocal groups happy to oblige with repertoires that range from classical to contemporary pop and beyond. (Read further for spotlights on some upcoming shows).

For lovers of tradition, though, nothing can rival George Frederic Handel’s Messiah and it’s famous Hallelujah Chorus — the piece chosen for performance by the Parksville and District Community Choir in celebration of the troupe’s 40th anniversary.

“We haven’t done Messiah since 2005. We like to save it as a special thing,” said choir conductor and musical director Ann Barber. “We have about 50 members that will be in performance. Messiah always brings a few more out for rehearsals.”

Considered by many an expert as the greatest feat in the history of music composition, Barber said Handel’s masterpiece is a melodious and nuanced work that always provides a challenge.

“There’s some complex textures in there that can be quite tricky if you haven’t sung them before,” she said. “To me it has become part of a Christmas music tradition that people really enjoy.”

If history is anything to go by the PDCC’s performance should be well received. Their first Messiah performance, complete with a full orchestra and soloists, occurred at Alberni District Senior Secondary School on December 8, 1974 to a standing room only audience of 600. A News review from the time stated the “audience was amazed at the musical excellence achieved,” and noted the unique addition “of a six and one half foot single manual harpsichord — built by Dr. Thomasy Haynes, a specialist on the tenor recorder.”

The trumpet solos were handled by, still in demand local trumpeter, Bill Cave.

Kate Barrie, with the PDCC since 1973, said she enjoyed choral music as a kid growing up in Belfast and came to join the choir almost by accident.

“I was going to a board meeting and it was the wrong night,” said Barrie, noting she heard the group rehearsing in an adjacent room and decided to have a closer look.

“Before I knew it I was sitting in a seat and Dr. John Lewis (then the conductor) said you’re our second soprano. Messiah used to be the start of our Christmas season every year.”

Barrie, the choir’s archivist, noted the group is a member of the Parksville and District Musical Association and was formed in 1969. Founding members were Joyce Ungaro, Mrs. Waldman and Anne Smith, for what was then know simply as the Choral Society. The first rehearsal with 30 members was on Oct. 22, 1969 under direction of Colin Forbes, and the group made its public debut Sunday, December 14, 1969 at a Christmas concert with the Parksville and District Concert Band and the Majorettes.

Financial considerations mean there won’t be a complete orchestra this time around but Barber said the soloists she has brought in: soprano, Andrea Sicotte; alto, Faye Boggs; tenor, David Brown and baritone Michael Eckford are some of the finest available talent with years of education and performing experience between them. Addition of piano and trumpet will flesh out the musical textures.

The concert runs Dec. 6 at Knox United Church beginning at 2:30 p.m. with $15 tickets ($12 for children and seniors) available at Mulberry Bush bookstores and at the door.

The choir’s musical director since 1992, Barber said conducting practices never fails to lift her spirits.

“There’s a king of euphoria that you get even during rehearsals,” she said. “There are many choirs in this community but we are the only one that does all classical works.”

reporter@pqbnews.com