What better way to ring in the Christmas season than with a heartfelt performance by Calgary’s steadily growing LGBTQ and allies mixed choir.

On Sunday, December 9th at 7:00pm, the Scarboro United Church will open its doors for The First Nowell with special guest PFLAG. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and free for kids 12 and under.

One Voice Chorus formed in September, 2011 under the leadership of Artistic Director Jane Perry and her partner Cora Castle. The two arrived in Calgary from Ottawa and, having loved their experience in a mixed choir there so much, decided to start one here.

The First Nowell is the group’s first vocal toast to Christmas. The evening’s line up includes the eclectic melange of the seasonal tunes one looks for in an Old English program.

"We’ve got everything from the holiday classic Baby it’s Cold Outside to really familiar carols like Silent Night," Perry says.

The group is also taking on a Latin piece reworked by a Venezuelan composer entitiled O Magnum Mysterium, which Perry slates is a passionate "commentary on the nativity scene".

The One Voice Chorus has grown to encompass 29 singers, 26 of which will be on stage Sunday night. The group practices Monday nights at the Unitarian Church of Calgary, for which Perry is also the music director.

As a firm action of support toward the growth of this choir the Unitarian Church generously donated a rehearsal space free of charge for the group’s first season.

"As a result we have a great relationship with the church folk," Perry says, adding that many members of the congregation have filled seats at all of the shows One Voice has put on to date. "We’re always really happy to see them there."

Proceeds raised at The First Nowell will go toward paying for future rehearsal space, sheet music, and a stipend for the artistic director. Perry is a classically trained pianist and holds a Master of Music degree with a specialization in chamber music from the University of Ottawa, as well as an Associate Diploma in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

The First Nowell additionally aims to promote a comfortable family atmosphere. A guest associate from PFLAG Calgary will be speaking to the audience during the show about the space they offer for family members to talk when a family member comes out.

"Because the focus of our show is on family of origin and family of choice we thought it be a good idea to include PFLAG into the show," Perry says.

PFLAG will answer questions about their program following the performance.

The One Voice Chorus plans to put on three shows per season and already has two slated for the new year. Saturday, March 23rd, One Voice, One World will take place again at the Scarboro United Church.

This will be "a world music concert, and just checking in on GLBQ rights around the world," Perry explains. Special guests from Edmonton Vocal Minority, the mixed queer choir from Edmonton now celebrating their 20th season, will be making the trek down to Calgary to perform at this show.

In June, One Voice will present Rainbow Roots, a night of folk music, with the Calgarian trio the Backyard Betties joining the stage.

Visit the One Voice Chorus website for more details on upcoming shows.