Melody and devotion combined to create a beautiful evening of carol-singing at the CSI Cathedral here on Sunday.
Ringing in the Christmas season, the congregation rose as one, accompanied by the Cathedral choir, to render the all-time favourite Christmas song Come all ye faithful, which echoed the sentiments of the first carol sung by angels, Peace on earth, goodwill to men. The choice carols rendered included a couple of compositions of Caleb Simper, whose Christmas-song collection continues to be popular among the devout.
Oh, Christmas bells ring far and near, Loud hosannas and Sing O heaven were the Simper compositions the choir sang, much to the enjoyment of the congregation.>
The rendering of Zion’s daughter and Mary’s boy child by the Cathedral Junior choir, which include five-year-old members, was appreciable.
Adding to the variety was the racy Malayalam carol Cuckoo nee padiduka, besides Sthuthichol Christmas modamode. A carol written and set to music by Archie Hutton, Akshaya Rajyathinte adhipadan, besides his solo number, Crown him, were added attractions.
Crown the new born king and Christmas calypse were also sung. The all-male voice renderings included Softly the night and Sleep sleep (quartet).
With improved acoustics and toning down of the accompaniments, a better effect could have been created, rewarding the painstaking efforts of the choir members.
M.J. Marceline, vicar of Mother of God Cathedral, who was the chief guest, in his Christmas message, stressed the human concept of solace in all Christmas celebrations and the priority that needed to be accorded to the less-fortunate in society.
Paul David, chief vicar, CSI Cathedral, welcomed the gathering. Gladys Isaac, Principal, Malabar Christian College, proposed a vote of thanks.
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