Songs of harmony and joy

Carol singing is an integral part of Christmas and several church and independent choirs in the City have been practising long and hard to put up an impressive show during Christmas time. The St Mark’s Cathedral, recently organised, ‘Festival of Peace’, an annual festival of music, that has been a regular feature for several years now.  

The festival featured 15 choral groups who rendered popular Christmas songs in both English and vernacular languages. The participating groups were Stuthi@St Andrew’s Church Choir, United Theological Choir, The Christ University Choir, Serenata Chorale (St Joseph’s College of Commerce), Bangalore Conservatory Choir, Joseph’s College of Arts and Science, Reverb, Accord, Mizo Church Choir, Soulful Harmony, Mark’s Cathedral Choir and Mark’s Youth Fellowship.

The evening featured a blend of all genres of music, including traditional, contemporary and classical pieces. The Accord opened the evening with, ‘Deck The Halls With Boughs of Holly’, a  contemporary arrangement to a traditional carol and was followed by ‘I Am the Rose of Sharon’, an anthem by 18th century American composer William Billings which proclaims how the earth will greet the Messiah’s birth. This was a song on how Nature and every animal and bird in it will greet the Messiah’s birth. They wrapped up their performance with ‘Praise the Lord with Voices all’, an excerpt from Joseph Haydn’s much renowned classical work “The Creation.”

Next was the Mizo Church Choir, who sang ‘Angels We Have Heard on High and Christmas in Heaven’.

They were appreciated for their lively rendition. The United Theological Choir, Stuthi@St Andrew’s Church Choir and St Joseph’s Arts and Science rendered Christmas songs in vernacular languages.

The St Mark’s Cathedral Choir, conducted by Sudhakar Doraiswamy, sang ‘Christ is the beginning of Christmas’, ‘In the Beginning’ and concluded with the fast-paced ‘Glory Hallelujah’. Soloist Ken Henson enthralled the audience with ‘Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.’

The members of the audience confessed that they thoroughly enjoyed the evening because it set the tone for Christmas. Anjana observed that the variety and styles of music ranged from choral to modern day music.

“It was brilliant to sit through each of the performances. It didn’t seem like we had sat for three hours. Every choir had something unique to present.”

Ajith Samuel,from the audience said, “The carols, the nip in the air and beautifully coordinated outfits each of the choirs wore during the performance, truly ushered in the warmth and joy that the season of Christmas brings with it.”