MP to join symphony orchestra on stage

The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra will have a guest musician of political note at its 51st annual Christmas concert on Dec. 17.
Music director Glenn Klassen announced on Dec. 2 Lethbridge MP Jim Hillyer’s participation during a news conference at Southminster United Church where the concert will be performed beginning at 7 p.m.
Hillyer plays the violin.
Klassen noted afterward Hillyer is more than qualified to perform with the orchestra, having studied under concert master Norbert Boehm, an artist in residence with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and a violin instructor with the University of Lethbridge Conservatory where he also directs the Coulee Fiddlers.
And even though it’s been a few years, Hillyer used to play regularly in the symphony, and he’s looking forward to playing again for the popular Christmas concert.
“Personally, this will be amazing,” he said in a news release. “I am so thankful to be part of a community that supports the arts enough that a city of Lethbridge’s size can have a symphony orchestra.”
Mary Lee Voort is also excited about this concert, but for a different reason. She’s directing the Bridge Bells; Reprise, a group of guest artists who will ring in the Christmas spirit with handbells.
Voort, who plays the keyboard with the LSO, will also ring with her fellow handbell musicians as they perform four pieces with the orchestra and three solos during the second half of the concert.
The orchestra will perform traditional Christmas carols and festive movie music during the concert, plus some standard classical pieces. Hillyer, who nowadays plays mostly in church or for the occasional event he is hosting, said he’s looked at the music and is confident he can play along — with a little practice.