09/11/2023
2023 Christmas Cantata Bay Area has been canceled.
Thank you for your love and interest in the Gracias Christmas Cantata. You are the reason this beautiful production came to life more than 10 years ago. It has been the most joyful and wonderful experience of our lives performing for you, your family, and your community over the years. Seeing the joy on your faces are memories we will never forget. However, I am deeply saddened to tell you the news that we are going to have to cancel this year’s Christmas Cantata. Nothing pains us more than having to do this.
The Gracias Choir and Orchestra originate from South Korea, which is also where the members live. In order to come to the U.S., they have had to acquire a P1B visa, which allows foreigners to perform in the U.S. For the past 10 years, we have never had an issue with this; however, this year, we were unable to acquire the visas. Therefore, we are unable to perform this year. We tried to hold out hope to the very end, and we have exhausted every avenue possible, but to no avail. It is unclear how long it will take for this issue to be resolved, but it is evident we will not see a resolution in time for the Christmas Cantata to be possible.
We cannot express how sorry we truly are. This is a truly difficult time for everyone involved, and we promise to do everything in our power to perform for you next year. Please continue to keep the Gracias Christmas Cantata and the Gracias Choir in your hearts and prayers. Thank you so much for understanding and for your prayers. We pray that God’s blessings will be upon you and yours.
Sincerely,
Jin Hee Kim
Director, Gracias Christmas Cantata in Bay Area
