Halifax Musical Concerts providing holiday flavour for the city

The musical celebration Cocktails & Candy Canes hits The Carleton Monday night, and artistic producer Christopher Wilson just can't wait.

The Halifax Musical Concerts leader – a recent Halifax transplant – comes from a fabulous Toronto background, but has found the theatre and music scene in the city here incredible.

“We did Broadway Or Bust last year, and it was the first time professional musical theatre had been done at The Carleton since March 2020,” he said.

“It sold out for both nights in 48 hours, and it showed that people around here were excited for and starved for live music.”

In Toronto, Wilson had been doing annual Toronto Musical Concerts for a decade, and when he moved to town to be with his longtime partner, he needed to satisfy his craving for music in his life.

“Last year, we had marketed three shows, but COVID-19 shut everything down. It was upsetting, because we were sold out.,” he said.

“We had two more in P.E.I. that were sold out, but they also got cancelled. I sort of went back to Toronto with my tail between my legs, but I'm so happy we're going this year.”

Halifax Musical Concerts attempts to add to the performing arts in the area, and the non-profit theatre company is committed to high-quality events for patrons, as well as outreach.

They started back with their recent Musical Connections concert, dubbed “A Vaccine For The Soul” in August, which also sold out.

With four artists for that one, the Christmas edition is expanding. Wilson is happy for the incredible group he's working with for the December 13 and 14 concerts, including Katie Cochrane, Stephane Gaudet, Rebecca Guilderson, Dominique LeBlanc, David Light, Erin Tancock, Chris Raddall and pianist Tom King.

One artist who turned out to be a nice little surprise was Raddall, who was found during the last concert.

“When we did Musical Connections, Brent was actually working at The Carleton bar. He did his voice degree at Acadia University, and went to Victoria, B.C. To do classical training, but it wasn't for him,” said Wilson.

“We talked, he sent a recording, and it was amazing. He loves musical theatre, and this is such a good chance for emerging artists. I love the diverse program and styles we have, and everyone's talent will blow people away.”

Another surprise was the pianist, who Wilson serendipitously met in a lovely circumstance.

“Tom is such a gift. I also work as a voice teacher at Dalhousie University, and he's a colleague. So we met in the context of school,” he said.

“But I realized he was an incredible pianist and a superstar jazz musician. He's just brilliant and having him anchor as a one-man orchestra is amazing.”

The show will feature a little bit of every type of style, but the one main theme will be the holiday spirit for all.

“It's a festive show that showcases all styles and traditions. From sacred music to musical theatre, jazz arrangements and gospel, we're covering all the bases,” he said.

“The first time I did this type of event, I called it Christmas Eclectic. But this cocktail idea just evolved. We have so much in our repertoire. There will be something for everyone, and this talent is just fantastic.”

For Wilson, doing things that advance the love of musical theatre and showcasing artists in the community is important.

“I catalyze because I love creating a community – especially a musical community – where i live. Music is my heart language, and this is a huge deal to me. I've been working professionally in music since I was 18,” he said.

“I've always been drawn to musical theatre as a discipline. As a result, I've never done non-singing theatre. I just need to have singing involved, and I want others to enjoy it with me.”

He says there will be so much to enjoy from Cocktails & Candy Canes, and people coming will love their experience.

“There is some incredible talent, and we'll have holiday favourites and some unexpected gems. There will be some total right hooks, in the best way,” he said.

“There's something for everyone's taste buds and it will meet all the proper aesthetics. It should be a treat.”

The Halifax Musical Concerts Presents: Cocktails & Candy Canes show will be December 13 and 14, at 8 p.m. at The Carleton.