Singing Nuns will put Spokane flavor on show
The Singing Nuns have become a Christmas habit in Spokane – and that is more than just a nun-related pun.
The nuns of St. Michael’s Convent have staged a Christmas show at The Met every year for the past eight years; this year’s show next Tuesday and Wednesday will make the ninth consecutive year for this local holiday tradition. And if that isn’t a long enough habit, this year also marks the 25th year of existence for The Singing Nuns.
This year’s show is titled “Christmas in Our Towne,” which reflects the emphasis on local performers.
“Everybody is from Spokane,” said Sister Mary Bernadette, the director of the choir.
That includes the 25-nun choir and all of the special guests: Chad Mitchell, Randy Shaw, the female barbershop-style quartet Moxie, a harpist and even some local Irish dancers.
Mitchell is best known as the leader of the ‘60s folk group the Chad Mitchell Trio, which was formed at Gonzaga University. Shaw is the KREM-2 news anchor and leader of his own country band, although his performance here will be decidedly non-country. He will also serve as the evening’s unofficial emcee.
There will even be a theme related to Spokane’s most famous product, Bing Crosby. Mitchell, Shaw and the choir will do three numbers associated with Crosby: “Christmas in Killarney,” “Jingle Bells” and, of course, “White Christmas.”
Mitchell and Shaw will perform both separately and together. Mitchell will perform solos on two sacred traditional songs, “Jesu Bambino” and “Panis Angelicus.”
Sister Mary Bernadette said that the show will have a mix of sacred carols and upbeat Christmas songs such as “Winter Wonderland.”
One new addition will be a string quartet live onstage to accompany several of the songs.
The Singing Nuns are traditional Catholic sisters and members of the Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen. They engage in teaching as well as singing as a way to spread the faith.
Their newest recording, “Christmas in the Heart,” will be unveiled at the show and will be available for purchase.