A Brace of Joys

The first two days of December have brought those of us living in Singapore ‘A brace of Joys’. They are to be relished, reflected on and remembered for a long time. True to its vocation of music, to make life lovable, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Youth Choir and the Children's Choir gave us GLORIA! to start the season of celebration and light for all who would see better in the world than the daily depressive negative news. To some it is Thanksgiving. To all it is giving thanks. Music and art allow us to express our gratitude.

A ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten followed by Albinoni’s Adagio beautifully enhanced by the deep resonance of the Victoria Concert Hall organ gave us the flavour of a season to rekindle hope with foundation. In Britain we call it ‘music with bottom’ which may sound a little vulgar. I think it is trenchantly descriptive. And to hear Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring played at its proper pony pace rather than the dirge-like efforts of some solemn events is a rare treat. Vivaldi followed. He can crown any celebration, seasonal or otherwise.

What made this concert exceptional was the dedication of Wong Lai Foon, the Choirmaster and Eudenice Palabuan, the Choral Director, melded together by the kindest but, I suspect, also a fairly demanding Conductor, Stephen Layton. This remarkable man may drill at rehearsal but he delights his audiences and performers with kindness and light. 

May he be long blessed.

Every year the Choir of the Risen Christ gives us renewed hope in the message of Christmas with a Service-Concert in the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. Eliza and I have been going to this for many years. Its fifty-first event was more touching than ever. On the theme of Love the Children, Peter Low, his wife Linda and his family - including children and grandchildren - stirred our hearts to yearn for peace. 

The annual assembly of Ambassadors who each place a token on the Tree of LIfe is unique in bringing together representatives from around the world to show a solidarity for humanity, better reflected here than anywhere I know. Carols and songs in the languages of these missionaries of mutual support are sung to perfection by the tireless and dedicated choir. I managed to hug a few of these wonderful singers at the reception afterwards. 

I wanted to hug them all.

With Richard O’Neill at the organ and some of the most telling voices you will ever hear, the Service-Concert manages to relate crystal clear professionalism to a touch of family gathering of a truly rare kind. To combine quality of this sort with kindness we all aspire to is not easy. The Risen Christ Choir does it with style. 

Perhaps invidious to mention specific songs but to hear Ose Shalom - The One Who Makes Peace (Israel) sung alongside Natal Nta Sasin - Witness to Christmas (Timor-Leste) in the company of Shchotoza predyvo - O What a Wonder (Ukraine) is to glimpse something we all wish for as part of our Christmas prayer. Illustrated by Peter Low’s creative slides and rounded by his own charming song, the musical adventure of the occasion was totally fulfilled.

A Brace of Joys, a blessing by the kindly Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Marek Zalewski, amounts to a beautiful start to the Christmas Season. May it be a wonderful one for you.

May all those who worked so hard to bring light and joy to us realise how exceptionally privileged they were.  

To these two flags of Peace they brought us the Hand of Heaven.

Few people can do that.

Good morning

John Bittleston