The Muskoka Lakes Music Festival and CBC Radio presented a dramatic reading of A Christmas Carol to a full house last Friday evening at the Port Carling Memorial Community Centre. Dignitaries in attendance included the Rt. Hon. Tony Clement, the Hon. Norm Miller, her Worship mayor Susan Pryke and CBC Radio personality Catherine Belyea.

The brain child of CBC Radio anchor Judy Madrin, the readings bring together the pleasure of hearing a good story, the joy of music of the season, and the inspired energy of those who raised the spirit of Christmas in the community.

The evening featured Jack Hutton on keyboard and an eight-person mixed choir under the direction of Sue Gurr. Hosted by the CBC’s Catherine Belyea and the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival’s Jon Gurr, the readings were performed by Nancy Knox, Shawn Ruhl, Joanna Shea, and Nancy Witty under the direction of John Purdon.

 Established in 1996, the Muskoka Lakes Music Festival has become a leader in Arts Education programming. During the summer season, the Festival presents concerts by international and local artists in intimate settings in the natural beauty of Muskoka. For more information, please visit www.kaleidoscopeartsined.ca.