Calimesa Community Concerts, now in its 40th season, presents The Annual Christmas Festival of Music and Lights featuring The Bonner Singers. Directed by Dr. Judd Bonner, “Let Hope Arise!” will be performed at Calimesa SDA Church, 4th and Myrtlewood, Friday, December 20 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, December 21 at 4:00 pm. All are invited to come enjoy this delightful celebration. The Bonner Singers are a perennial Calimesa Christmastime favorite. Their joyous, engaging style, eclectic programming, and impeccable musicianship always reward concertgoers with a satisfying and memorable experience. Members of the 60-voice ensemble range in age from 18 to 60 and come from a wide variety of backgrounds and occupations. Audiences feel drawn by their warmth and enthusiasm.
The group was founded in 1995 by legendary choral conductor and educator Dr. Gary Bonner, Dr. Judd’s father. Their musical excellence has been recognized from the beginning. They were the featured choir in the Salvation Army’s 1996 Christmas Eve radio program with narrator Jack Lemmon. They have since been chosen from large numbers of applicants to perform at the White House Holiday Open House in 2006, 2008, and 2011. Their resume’ also includes performances at the Crystal Cathedral, Knott’s Berry Farm’s “New Year’s Eve Praise,” and in numerous Community Concert Series. They have completed 22 recordings, including 5 Christmas albums and an album each of classical music and spirituals. Dr Judd Bonner was previously Dean of the School of Music at California Baptist University and co-conducted the Singers in 2021 and 2022 before taking over full conducting duties in January 2023 upon his father’s retirement.
Admission is ticketed and by advance purchase only. Tickets are available through iTickets.com online, or by phone at (800) 965-9324. Price range is $10-$30. For more information call (909) 795-9741, Ext 7. We’d love to have you and your loved ones join us!