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MINTY: 'Crossover' singer Mapson returns to Surrey

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There are few gifts in life better than good music and good friends. Our lives are enriched by both. So this week, I have for you some good music options. I have friends, you see, who told me, and so now I can tell you.

Mezzo soprano Ingrid Mapson, once selected for Canada's Got Talent, says "I actually grew up in Surrey and was in the band program at Mary Jane Shannon/Guildford Park School from Grade 6 to 12, and this was formative in my musical development." She also performed in musicals at Cedar Grove Church in Surrey.

Mapson will be singing in Surrey again this Sunday afternoon (Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.) at Northwood United Church during the Jazz Vespers concert series, in its Christmas feature show (co-ordinated by Gerry and Audrey Hall). She'll be accompanied by pianist Miles Black, drummer Andrew Millar, bassist Graham Clark and violinist Cameron Wilson. Mapson sings with orchestras and bands around the province, and this "crossover" singer will be adding in a pop song and a classical song to her jazz show. Find out more about this event at Northwood-united.org (under events) and more about the vocalist at Ingridmapson. com. Two friends told me about Ingrid, so now you can tell two friends, and they can tell two friends, etc., etc.

Peninsula Productions has a lot of friends, and they will make even more with their offer of free tickets to Handel's Sing-A-Long Messiah. In an effort to continue to bring affordable entertainment to the Peninsula, children under the age of 12 (when accompanied by a paying adult) will gain free admission. Just purchase your tickets to the show and bring the kids for free!

Peninsula Productions' Wendy Bollard encourages you to start a new holiday tradition. Invite family and friends to join a sing-a-long to Handel's glorious "Messiah" with the 80-member Vancouver Bach Choir on Saturday, Dec. 13 - an 8 p.m. start at White Rock Baptist Church (1657 140th St.).

The four featured soloists - Melanie Krueger, Barbara Towell, Martin Sadd and Willy Miles Grenzberg - will be accompanied by organist Ellen Ay Laung, the beloved masterpiece will be under the direction of the choir's seasoned conductor, Leslie Dala. All who wish to raise their voices in the Christmas spirit are welcome - whether serious singers, shower singers or even those who have never experienced the joy of singing with a choir.

"I can't think of anything more Christmas-y than singing along to the Hallelujah Chorus of Handel's 'Messiah" says Bollard, artistic director with Peninsula Productions. "This is an event not to be missed, right here at home in South Surrey."

For 84 years, the acclaimed artists of Vancouver Bach Choir have shared cherished holiday classics, new favourites and essential masterworks with music lovers near and far. For the event in White Rock, tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door; remember, children under 12 are free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets and show info are posted at Peninsulaproductions.org.

Centre Stage at City Hall is the newest performance venue in Surrey. It is a very different kind of venue. Sometimes the space looks like city council chambers. In a short period of time, and a little theatre magic, the space becomes transformed. Tonight (Thursday, Dec. 4, starting at 8 p.m.), the acclaimed beatboxing string trio Infinitus will give you Classical music like you've never heard it before - really! Ever wonder what Mozart's music would sound like with some vocal percussion thrown in?

Infinitus - violist Anthony Cheung and cellist Alex Cheung who are twin brothers, and violinist John "Adidam" Littlejohn - is an acclaimed trio known for its refreshingly individual sound and upbeat performance style.

Formed in 2008, the award-winning Infinitus has been featured on CBC, National Public Radio, OMNI Television, and in numerous publications. A self-titled debut album was released in 2011. Anthony, Alex and John perform regularly as part of the Vancouver Chamber Players Concert Series, and are currently on the faculty of the Thrive City String Academy and Boot Camp, the Saint James Music Academy and the Vancouver Music Academy. Great credentials. Tickets are $28, including all fees. For tickets, call Surrey Civic Theatres' box office at 604-501-5566 or visit Tickets.surrey.ca.

So tell a few friends about good music happening in Surrey. Good friends, good music, good times. What a gift.

melminty@telus.net