MONROE — The Bel Canto Singers will present their annual Christmas concert twice on Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at St. Victor Catholic Church, 1760 14th St., Monroe.

This is the 40th anniversary of the Bel Canto Singers. The group started in 1979 in a Monroe living room with a few people who wanted the opportunity to sing. Now there are more than 40 singers from all over the stateline area. Their Christmas concerts have become a beloved part of Monroe holiday season. 

Allen Redford directs the Bel Canto Singers. The group is accompanied by pianist Renee Setterstrom, in addition to string and woodwind musicians this year.  Organist Deborah Krauss Smith will also be featured. 

For the first time, the concert will be presented in both afternoon and evening, in order to accommodate a larger audience. St. Victor Church has recently completed a major building project that makes the space easily accessible with same-level, protected drop-off and a new parking lot. 

The Bel Canto Singers include: Susan Anderson, Miguel Aragon, Kim Becker, Richard Bergstrom, Bobbie Bernet, Hans Bernet, Julie Blumer, Tracy Bristow, Tina Duemler, Stephanie Eastwood, Karen Fowdy, Linda Goltz, Joanne Gouge, Ed Grabow, Mary Hamilton, Lisa Hendrickson, Jeff Ingebritsen, Dale Johnson, Julie Johnson, Megan Jordan, Shelly Jordan, Jacob Keeffe, Deb Krattiger, Sally Lanz, Donald Maas, Rick Maliszewski, Daryl Miller, JoEllen Mosher, Jane Olson, Christina Parkinson, John Patterson, Marilyn Sandin-Ross, Bob Severson, Julie Shipe McClain, Haley Shores, Mary Soddy, Bill Spontak, Parry Stevens, Jane Sybers, George Vernon, Marcia Wald, Amy Whiteman, Nadine Whiteman, Martha Wolf and Don Zimmerman. 

A special invitation is being extended to people who have sung with the Bel Canto Singers in the past and their families to celebrate this 40th anniversary season.