Christmas concert in Singapore brings together diplomats in festive spirit and commitment to peace
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Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan (third from right) and his wife Joy (foreground, fourth from right) turning on the lights on the “tree of peace” with the choir’s founder-director Peter Low and his wife Linda.
PHOTO: CATHEDRAL CHOIR OF THE RISEN CHRIST
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SINGAPORE – More than 45 members of the diplomatic corps in Singapore gathered at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd on Dec 1 for an annual Christmas concert, enjoying classic carols while reaffirming their country’s commitment to peace.
Music filled the Roman Catholic church in Queen Street as the 72-member Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ sang some 58 songs in 32 languages, including classics like Handel’s And The Glory Of The Lord and Hallelujah, during the two-hour concert.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, ambassadors, high commissioners and other guests attended the concert by the choir led by its founder-director, Sir Peter Low. It was co-hosted by Archbishop Marek Zalewski, the apostolic nuncio – the Catholic Church’s ambassador – to Singapore.
Another highlight of the evening was when each ambassador and high commissioner placed an ornament with their country’s flag on a circular “tree of peace”, symbolising the country’s pledge to work for peace both at home and between nations. Dr Balakrishnan placed an ornament for Singapore, while Archbishop Zalewski did the same for the Holy See.
Members of the diplomatic corps taking a group photo after each ambassador placed a Christmas ornament on the tree of peace.
PHOTO: CATHEDRAL CHOIR OF THE RISEN CHRIST
It was the choir’s 51st Christmas concert since 1973. Its tradition of singing a medley of carols to honour each country represented in Singapore meant that the choir members had to memorise excerpts of songs in 32 different languages.
“From 1976, some diplomats who heard us during our carolling sessions at hotels were invited. By word of mouth, the numbers increased over the years as many, especially the European diplomats, said that this was the start of their Christmas celebrations,” said Dr Low.
“Gradually, we included a carol from (each) country which was represented by an ambassador, as we felt that it was a good way of acknowledging their presence. It was necessary to shorten to one verse each in order to accommodate the number of embassies and high commissions involved”.
The choir’s tradition is to sing a medley of carols in different languages to honour each country.
PHOTO: CATHEDRAL CHOIR OF THE RISEN CHRIST
Funds raised at the concert through ticket sales and donations will go to Marymount Centre, which helps vulnerable women and children.
