Nexus Performing Arts company giving a splendid performance. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer
LAST SATURDAY, scores of musicians in more than 60 countries simultaneously empowered dozens of hospice residents. In Jamaica, it was at the concert Music of Hope and Praise - Voices for Hospices at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Chapel. Four choirs, including the UWI Singers and The National Chorale of Jamaica, were marvellous in their performances.
Of the biennial event, www.worlddday.org says, "Voices for Hospices is a wave of simultaneous concerts around the globe which takes place on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day every two years. The objective of the event is to raise funds and awareness for hospice and palliative care."
The universal theme for this year's event was Discovering Your Voice.
After a brief welcome and message from Jeffrey Cobham, (director of the Board of The Consie Walters Centre for Cancer Care and Hospice), who also served as master of ceremonies, the entertainment got under way. Pianist Dwight McBean, described by Cobham as "king instrumentalist", played with great gusto. His selections included the John Stanley-arranged Trumpet Voluntary.
Silver-drum goodness
Steel band volunteers in the form of Stella Maris Steel Orchestra were also on hand. From their silver drums they echoed Let There Be Peace on Earth (Sy Miller/Jill Jackson) and Love Changes Everything (Andrew Lloyd Webber). With O Praise Ye The Lord, the capacity-sized audience was invited to sing along but, perhaps overwhelmed by the intensity of the sounds from the orchestra, opted to move to the music instead.
The University Singers seemed to have captured the emotions of the residents in hospices with an emotive performance of Motherless Child. But "we can celebrate (with) everlasting light" seemed to be their conciliatory cry. In their familiar black bottom and red top (females) and jacket (males), the group also gave a splendid performance of Mack Wilberg's-arranged Come Thou Fount and the popular Cantique De Jean Racine, arranged by Gabriel Faure.
One Accord, Nexus and The National Chorale of Jamaica also gave their voices for a cause and they were all melodious in their delivery.
The National Chorale began their offering with Breezy Bach before taking the audience on a walk All in the April Evening. On their return to the stage after a powerful ending of Joyful Alleluia, they swayed in unison and thus reinforced "we are one family" as they delivered Everybody Singing in One Accord.
Creditable performance
Nexus gave stirring renditions to songs such as The Power of Love. For newcomers, One Accord, members of the Rollington Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, it was a Great Day as they gave Total Praise. Though not uniformed in attire, the group of 10 was very harmonised in their singing and gave a creditable performance.
The programme ended with a stunning performance of Messiah - Handel The Hallelujah Chorus, performed by the combined choirs. And when the last note was delivered, the audience summed up what was a wonderful show with an action that said it best - a standing ovation.
Music of Hope and Praise-Voices for Hospices was organised by The Consie Walters Centre for Cancer Care and Hospices, located on the grounds of St Joseph's Hospital.
Dwight McBean played with great gusto. - File