Now in its twentieth year of gospel music ministry, the St. Augustine’s Chorale (SAC) made another mark in its seasonal performances, on Sunday, December 20th and 27th, bringing joy and Christmas cheer to an appreciative audience over the Festive Season. As is customary, the event was held at the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in East End.
Many expectant patrons turned out at the church on the last two Sunday evenings of December, eager to savour rich and uplifting sessions of harmonious Christmas melodies. Under the distinguished directorship of the renowned Professor, Lennox Vanterpool, the concert entitled “Hallelujah, Jesus is Born” featured a captivating array of songs written by Geron Davis and arranged by Bradley Knight. It was a musical reproduction that portrayed the coming of the Christ child, clothed in human form – sent to earth through His Father’s grace.
Prior to the start of the SAC’s performances, the St. Augustine’s Youth Chorale, under the direction of Amelia Vanterpool-Kubisch and Sandra Liddie-Gumbs, magnificently rendered three carols, in contemporary fashion, namely: “Rejoice”, “We Three Kings” and “Joy to the World”.
In line with Davis and Bradley’s’ repertoire, some twelve selections were harmoniously presented by the Chorale on both Sundays. Among them were: “We Worship You”, “Come Fill my Heart”, “There’s a Reason” and the resounding theme song, “Hallelujah, Jesus is Born”.
Amelia, in delivering the Vote of Thanks, extended gratitude to the several audiences that have patronised the Chorale’s presentations throughout its twenty years, as well as to the founder of the Chorale, saying in part: “We thank you for being our guests and patrons for the past twenty years. We thank Sister Margaret Augustus for her foresight in establishing the St. Augustine’s Chorale and Youth Choir.” Then, with an air of fond reflection, she complimented the work of the Director: “We also thank our amazing Director, Lennox Vanterpool, for his commitment, dedication, and his ever-positive humorous attitude with which he approaches our practice sessions…”
Notes of admiration and compliments were on the lips of many following the remarkable Christmas events, and statements such as “A Great concert, man” and “Y’all did a wonderful job” were buzz-words among the hearty chatter that filled the church at the end of each of the two performances.
The St. Augustine’s Chorale hosts two Sunday-evening cantatas every year for both Easter and Christmas seasons. Normally, each concert is repeated on the following Sunday, which results in four performances per year.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
