Secretary’s Report – 2023
The choir were asked to lead Evensong on 29 January in Belfast Cathedral. We practised a chant, an introit and an anthem, a favourite to those who listen – You raise me up.
No one was overly concerned as it was assumed there would be more in the choir than the congregation, so it was a bit unnerving to see all the dignitaries, including MP’s flocking in! Around 300 people were present to commemorate the sinking of the Princess Victoria 70 years ago. We weren’t sure if we were shivering from the cold or fear!
It was a lovely commemoration service and an official noted that “This choir know who they are singing to”. We had a note of appreciation from the cathedral to say the KC had excelled themselves and honoured the victims of the disaster with great dignity. The person who wrote said he had been moved particularly by the beautiful anthem, You raise me up.
On Saturday 25 March the choir held a concert in Agherton Parish in Portstewart. It wasn’t the best performance. However, the music had touched people and the following morning we proceeded to Macosquin Presbyterian to take service. A number of the choir were missing and it really was not good on listening to the recording. The committee met to decide on moving forward. It was decided in order to accept outside engagements we require a well-balanced choir and members are to be informed.
On Saturday 20 April we had our spring concert with guest artiste Susan Graham and this proved an excellent concert with much positive feedback from the audience.
Following the summer break we met at the end of August. The choir were to hear a short excerpt from a recording of Macosquin.
We proceeded to rehearse for our Christmas Carol concert only and this was held again in Albert Bridge on 2 December with guest artiste Rebekah Coffey who told two of the committee members that she felt it a privilege to sing with the choir. And it was really an excellent concert as can be seen on a DVD which Graeme Craig took on the night.
We thank God for the gift of music and the power of singing making our hearts soar and we consider it a privilege to bring the gospel in song to our audiences.