On 28 June 2009 a special choral was held at Wits University
(Great Hall) in preparation for the service for the departed. The theme of the
concert was to capture the golden thread of love, grace and God's goodness, to
be communicated through the various musical renditions.
The concept of this concert was initiated in
the beginning of 2009 by the Bishop Petersen, at that time with the support of
the Apostle Barnes. In his address, Apostle Barnes said that he did not
envisage the magnitude of what was presented at this event.
Participants and an audience of 720 people
came from the Johannesburg West Area which subsequently has been demarcated to
the responsibility of Apostle Dimba. Apostle Dimba thanked everyone involved
for the preparations that have gone into staging such an event. In his
opening prayer he expressed his wish that the love of those present radiate into
the realms of the departed. Apostle Barnes and Apostle Mkhwanazi were welcomed
as special guests.
A view of the adult choir
The
choral included an adult choir (280), children’s choir (80), orchestra (40), a
string
ensemble (4), various soloists, an octet, pianist,
organists, and an office bearer choir (12). The audience also participated
by joining in with the singing of two hymns. Various conductors took turns to
lead the choirs and orchestra. This also provided a platform for developmental
opportunities.
Talent was definitely not lacking amongst
the participants. The development of talent amongst the children's choir and
soloists was evident in their presentation. One of the songs rendered by the
children, “You gave me a name”, specifically reached out to the children in the
beyond who did not know the love of a mother. The soloist, Kayla Constable,
ended off with the words “He needs my soul” – this brought much emotion to the
fore.
The choir composed of office bearers
The office bearer's choir rendered the
anthem “I believe”. Another highlight was the rendition of the pianist and a
trumpeter of “Rondino” which was dedicated to all those who died in warfare.
This joyful song was a paradox with the usual mood of sadness associated with
remembering the departed. The audience was also asked to stand in memory of the
souls in the departed realms while they rendered “I have a home beyond the
river”. This time round, the music brought a tear to the eye of many.
The powerful rendition of the final hymn “Be
consoled ye Redeemed” by the adult choir was a perfect way to end off the
evening in preparation for the service the following week.
Bishop Petersen reiterated the vote of
thanks given by the Apostle Dimba to every participant for their contribution
and the sacrifices to make this a successful event. He thanked our Heavenly
Father who made this blessed gathering possible, the “Execution team”, all the
participants and the audience for attending. He expressed a special thanks to
all those who offered donations, despite the fact that the tickets were made
available free of charge. The purpose of the choral concert was four-fold i.e.
-
To instil a culture of “A love for
God expressed through music”.
-
To prepare for the Service for the Departed.
- To establish a foundation for the development of music amongst
the children across different disciplines, be it vocal or instrumental and to
use the proceeds of this event towards this.
-
To provide a more regular opportunity for our orchestra and choir
members to perform in a bigger group than that of in their local congregations.
