32,700 people. 16 cities. 1 message of hope.Gracias Christmas Cantata is a show-stopping musical event that has been performed in over 40 countries for the past 13 years. Christmas Cantata has graced such stages as Sydney Opera House, Haydn Hall, and Madison Square Garden, delighting presidents, mayors, and national ministries along the way. It features 3 distinct, beautiful stages: a nativity opera, a heartwarming musical, and a breathtaking rendition of Handel’s Oratorio “Messiah.” Wrap it with an eternal message of hope and Gracias Christmas Cantata expresses the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of faith and love in our hearts. This past September through December, Gracias Christmas Cantata traveled across the United States into Canada on a 16-city tour, offering free performances and a much-needed dose of joy for the people of America. It was a truly amazing experience to touch lives and deliver the peace and heart of God. Almost 33,000 people, with one thing in common: the bright smiles on their faces. Here’s a look back at the 2013 Gracias Christmas Cantata Tour through photographs.

Long IslandGracias Christmas Cantata kicked off its 2013 Tour in conjunction with the IYF World Camp in NY on the main campus of LIU Post in late August. It was shocking to see the endless stream of people flock into the Tilles Center just to witness the performance and virtuosity of Gracias Choir. 2200 Long Islanders had taken their seats when the curtain went up on Act 1. It was Christmas in the summertime and we couldn’t have asked for a better start to our tour.

Christmas Cantata attendees patiently waiting in the lobby for the house to open

The 2013 Gracias Christmas Cantata Tour premiere at LIU Tilles Center, Brookville, NY

Boston1000 curious Bostonians joined us at the Chevalier Theater in Boston, MA for a rousing, joy-filled performance. There were a few logistical “bumps in the road,” but the warmth and enthusiasm of the audience made the night a memorable one. We knew just from the response that it was going to be a special tour.

Gracias Choir members before departure

Gracias Christmas Cantata Act 1 Finale

NashvilleNearly every space in Nashville’s National Baptist Convention 2500-seat hall was filled by the time the curtain was raised on Act 1 of the Gracias Christmas Cantata. It was truly a miracle considering the venue was secured only a week before show time.

Although we were advised against having a music event in Nashville with the strong attraction of Memphis nearby, we couldn’t have asked for a better venue than the National Baptist Convention.

Gracias Christmas Cnatata Act 2 solo

Cantata Message with Pastor Ock Soo Park

“I was here last year when Christmas Cantata first came to Florida Theater.I remember it being such a beautiful performance and I am glad I can experience it again. We recruit volunteers to help us usher our events whenever they happen, and

we had a lot of applicants request to help usher for Gracias Christmas Cantata.I was also able to peek in and watch some of it and I have to say in terms of quality,

I consider Cantata leaps and bounds above other performances.” 

Jerry SteckloffUsher Coordinator for Florida Theater

Tenor Julio Gonzales of Gracias Choir preparing to take the stage for Act 2

CharlotteThrough the passion and commitment of our Christmas Cantata street teams, 1000+ made their way to Central Piedmont Community College’s Halton Theater in Charlotte, NC. It was quite the achievement considering Gracias Choir was not a household name in this area. Regardless, so many attendees asked that we return in 2014.

Capacity crowd at Chevalier Theater in Charlotte, NCGracias Christmas Cnatata volunteers

AtlantaThe Ferst Center for the Performing Arts in Georgia Tech was a beautiful hall, but an hour or so before show time, we realized it was too small. Hundreds of people lined up to enter, but we had reached capacity long before. It was devastating having to turn people away, but it fueled us to deliver one of the tour’s most captivating performances.

On hand for Atlanta’s Gracias Christmas Cantata were notable VIP, including the Mayor of Norcross, GA, Bucky Johnson. Turn the page to see what he thought of the performance.

Gracias Christmas Cantata Act 3 encore performance

“My favorite part was the birth of Jesus in Act 1. The instrument playing and vocals emerging from such pain…it was the first time in my life hearing music that came straight from the soul. I am so happy that this campus hosted such a meaningful

performance. I deeply thank Gracias Choir for coming to Georgia Tech.”

Bucky JohnsonMayor of Norcross, GA

Mayor Bucky Johnson stopping for a photo after the performance

JacksonvilleFamed Florida Theater played host to the Gracias Christmas Cantata for the second time. 1900 attendees witnessed the majesty and glory of the Savior’s birth, as well as Handel’s Oratorio. For many, Christmas Cantata has quickly become an annual tradition in Jacksonville. The standing ovations prove it. We can’t wait to go back next year.

Historic Florida Theater in the heart of Jacksonville Press coverage of the Gracias Christmas Cantata in Jacksonville

MiamiAs if having the Fillmore Miami Beach seated to capacity wasn’t enough. The 3000+ in the audience were treated not only to a dynamic stage performance by Gracias Choir, but a surprise visit and opening address from the mayor of Miami Beach, who presented us with a Plaque of Appreciation.

An excited crowd on hand at The Fillmore Miami Beach

“I present this plaque of appreciation on behalf of the city. I thank Gracias Choir for providing such a beautiful and exceptional performance to us on Miami Beach this

evening. And thank you to everyone who made it to the Fillmore tonight.”

Matti Herrera BowerMayor of Miami Beach, FL

Gracias Choir founder Pastor Ock Soo Park posing with Mayor Mattie Herrera Bower and some of her staff after receiving a Plaque of Appreciation from the city of Miami Beach

Orlando The Orlando performance stands out for so many reasons. The 2000 people who joined us to celebrate Christmas early and in style. The message of encouragement and hope in between Acts 2 and 3. The way the audience breathed with the performers on stage to create a riveting atmosphere. The open arms of the citizens of Orlando and their requests for our return. The thankfulness we felt long after hitting the road to New Orleans for our next engagement.

“The Little Santas” children’s performance in between Act 1 and 2. Osceola Performing Arts Center, Orlando, FL

A light-hearted moment during Act 2

Christmas Cantata free raffle contest

“Throughout my life, I’ve seen countless Christmas performances. Gracias Christmas Cantata outdoes them all. I was especially touched at the fact that you provide the lyrics on screen for people to follow along. I’ve never seen that before. It convinced

me that you all take the audience into strong consideration. I hope that more people discover the music and performance of Gracias Choir. I want to help and support

you as you recruit members from different states and around the world.” 

Armando RamirezOsceola County Clerk of Court, Florida

County Clerk of Court Armando Ramirez sharing his thoughts during a post-performance interview

New OrleansGracias Christmas Cantata was part of the official revival of Saenger Theater in New Orleans, which was heavily damaged during Hurricane Katrina. Just the 4th performance in this breathtaking hall, Gracias Christmas Cantata delighted the 2800 people who came together to experience a powerful message of hope. New Orleans performances are always a must because we know people are still hurting, still recovering. Gracias Christmas Cantata always strives to be a small part of that recovery, the rediscovery of hope and happiness.

Newly restored and renovated Saenger Theater

HoustonThe Christmas Cantata performance at Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theater in Houston, TX was the first in our Texas 3-step. 1100 eager attendees clapped along to our performances and stood up when Handel’s Oratorio made its crescendo into “Hallelujah.” The audience was moved, their hearts becoming brighter with each new song. That’s all we can ask for.

Stafford Centre Performing Arts Theater, Houston, TX

“I just witnessed the best performance from Gracias Choir. There are no other words to describe it. The overflowing energy of the Choir was just tremendous. Thank you

so much for bringing this performance to Houston. It’s the best gift our citizens could have asked for. I hope that you come back next year so we can meet again.”

Leonard ScarcellaMayor of Stafford, TX

Mayor Leonard Scarcella sharing his thoughts on the Cantata performance

San AntonioOur Gracias Christmas Cantata street team were essential in making this performance possible. With a skeleton staff, we managed to bring 2300 people to the Scottish Rite Theater strictly by word-of-mouth. This feat, along with the testimonials and media coverage after the concert, cemented the fact that Gracias Christmas Cantata is an event that can change the hearts of people with its music and message.

Post-performance media coverage

A full house at Scottish Rite Theater, San Antonio, TX

DallasThe last leg of our Texas tour brought 1560 to the Eisemann Center in Dallas, TX. Eisemann’s stage was one of the largest on our tour, which allowed us to fully express each scene and each act to the audience. Dallas proved to be one of the most enthusiastic crowds, responding to each portion of our program with vigor and passion.

Depiction of taxation by the hands of the Romans in Act 1

Attendees wait for the house to open at the Eisemann Center in Dallas, TX

MinneapolisThe story behind our Christmas Cantata performance in Minneapolis was a miraculous one. Securing the venue with just a few days to spare, our street teams hit countless neighborhoods, handing out over 40,000 invitation letters. Hundreds of people who attended despite the late notice. It was clear that there was a higher power driving this 2013 Tour.

Christmas Cantata volunteers with a few happy attendees Joseph and Mary’s agony in Act 1 The character of Anna getting in trouble during Act 2 Attendees during a Gracias Choir rendition of “God Bless America”

ChicagoIt was our second time presenting Gracias Christmas Cantata to the citizens of Chicago at the lovely Evanston Township High School. By Act 3, we counted 1400 people in the audience, each holding their breath with every song performed on stage. We were so thankful that the 2013 Tour was making a bigger impact than we could have ever imagined.

An encore performance of “Let it Snow” after Act 3

Evanston Township High School in Chicago hosted Gracias Christmas Cantata

Performers getting ready backstage

DetroitThis performance couldn’t have come at a better time or place. Detroit’s revival has been slow and arduous since the 2008 recession. We knew its citizens needed a strong dose of hope to get them through the tough times. Our Christmas Cantatas have always been free and completely open to the public. The 3000 that joined us this night were both moved and revitalized by our performance and proclamation that “God will restore Detroit.”

The Masonic of Detroit, 2-time Gracias Christmas Cantata host

“My family has attended Christmas Cantata for three years now. This performance was even more joyful this year since it was different. The message about the true

meaning of Christmas was a good lesson for my children. Gracias Christmas Cantata has become an annual tradition for us.”

 Melanie Moore

Christmas Cantata attendeeDetroit, MI

Going over Act 2 choreography during an afternoon rehearsal

TorontoToronto’s show brought the tour’s most diverse audience. This allowed for a beautiful atmosphere where despite our ethnic and cultural differences,, we were united through the true meaning of Christmas. 1560 enthusiastic attendees were on hand at Global Kingdom Ministries.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus in Act 1

A busy merchandise booth after the Cantata performance

New York CityThe curtain came down on the 2013 Tour on December 27th with an emotional performance at the center of the world: Manhattan. Gracias Choir achieved something they had been pursuing the past 13 years: performing Christmas Cantata in America during the Christmas season. A packed house of 2500 crowded the Hammerstein Ballroom and added a strong dash of New York flavor, cheering and applauding throughout the evening. Special guest emcee Fox News anchor Kelly Wright added to the festive, joyful atmosphere and notable VIP from the U.S. Fund to UNICEF and several embassies were also in attendance. When it was all said and done, 32,700 people across 16 cities had experienced the power of Gracias Choir, the true meaning of Christmas, and the heart of God.

Fox News anchor Kelly Wright warms up the crowd as special guest emcee

Joseph and Mary basking in the glory of the newborn Savior Jesus Christ

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