‘Tremendous’: C.O. Mastersingers eagerly rehearse for their Christmas concert comeback

(Update: Adding video, comments)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- How do you bring some holiday cheer on the High Desert during a pandemic? The Central Oregon Mastersingers has an answer waiting in the wings.

For the past several months, the group has been rehearsing in masks with air filtration and social distancing in order to prepare for their annual holiday concert at the Tower Theatre in downtown Bend.

With official live performances just a few weeks away, the group was busy at work Monday evening with another dress rehearsal at Bend's St. Helen's Hall.

It's been nearly two years since the Mastersingers put on their annual performance, due to COVID restrictions, but Artistic Director Christian Clark says he's excited to be back.

"It's tremendous," Clark said. "This is our first live concert in nearly two years."

Clark says they've been eagerly waiting to get back together.

"Our first rehearsal together in person was back at the beginning of October," Clark said. "That first rehearsal will probably be in my memory for the rest of my life as one of the most exciting rehearsals I've ever led." 

To keep safety top of mind, Clark says they've made a few requirements outside of just masks and distancing.

"We made the decision to require vaccinations of all of our performers, and we are wearing masks in rehearsal," Clark said.

And although the transition to masks seems more difficult, Clark says things have been pleasantly smooth so far.

"It's been a challenge, of course, wearing a mask while singing," Clark said. "It's been something we've all had to learn to adjust to but, surprisingly it doesn't change the sound all that much. The fact that we still get to be together in an actual room making music makes it all worth it." 

Clark says concertgoers can expect a mix of some "classics" and new material that many might be unfamiliar with.

"You'll hear things that are familiar to you like Jingle Bells and Carol of the Bells," Clark said. "We'll present some new music that will be unfamiliar but also beautiful and heartwarming, so we invite the community to come join us." 

Their concerts are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.