Immaculate High gives good 'Classical Harmony'

Finding an outlet for Jamaica's youths has been an ongoing cry. It is believed that to do so will stop the crimes and other such social ills. But for Stephen Woodham and Sister Grace Yap, the challenge was finding an outlet that would showcase the talents of the Immaculate Conception High School Symphony Orchestra (ICHSSO). Their brainstorming resulted in a concert called Classical Harmony.

On Sunday, three years later, the ever-expanding orchestra was once again the featured act at Classical Harmony. However, this year they were joined by members of the Jamaica Defence Force Band. But first there was the customary prayer.

It is not often that a prayer at a concert comes across with such appropriateness. It was delivered by Sister Maureen Clare Hall. Wearing the habit of the Franciscan Sisters, organisers of the concert, she prayed to the Almighty that strings, metal and wood would produce harmony and ultimately "beautiful harmony in music". And He must have heard, as what came from the combined effort of the students and their guests were delightful sounds of music.

Party of classics

With a large number of students to be seated and their instruments to be tuned, the symphony orchestra was placed in the second of the two-segment show. Once settled, they got the party of classical music going with Michael Hopkins' Fanfare. But it was to be the popular uptempo Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op. 67 (Allegro con brio) that really unveiled their skills.

Danny Elfman's Corpse Bride was also one of the selections on the list of the ladies in white. While a very entertaining selection and played as such, its nice upbeat rhythm contradicted its title. And the slow and rolling sound of River Song was also well performed. After amusing their relatives, peers and well-wishers, the Woodham-directed orchestra concluded their lovely evening of performance with the unmistakable sounds of Pirates of the Caribbean. It was arranged by Klaus Badelt.

However, before the classical performance by ICHSSO, the first half, too, produced some memorable moments. There was the singing of the National Anthem. A standard procedure, right? But has the anthem ever been sung by the same gentleman who voiced the version submitted to Parliament for approval? Who is he? Well, that voice belongs to David Reid, and he was on hand to sing the anthem once again. He returned later on in the programme to give a fair rendition of The Lord's Prayer.

Reid was not the only returnee. Soloist Aura Margison from Canada appeared twice on the programme. First with a rendition of Ave Maria and later to close the first half with Un moto di gioia.

The Biersay sisters offered classical harmony in the dance form. With two contrasting Indian dances, they gave an informative display of movements and costumes. They were also credited for their choreography. Likewise, making the double list, was Kathryn Hoo on violin. She strummed a beautiful sounding Saint Saens' The Swan and later returned to give violin justice to Manuel De Falla's Danse Espagnole.

Grant Lawrence, son of Andrew Lawrence and a student of the Ardenne High School, sang Bob Marley's Redemption Song to the strumming of his guitar. But Segment One truly belonged to Jodi Ho Lung. Dressed to play the part, the talented vocalist gave a fantastic performance of Rogers & Hammerstein's I Could Have Danced All Night.

The evening's programme was completed with a welcome from Professor Kenneth Hall, vote of thanks from Clovis Metcalfe, chairman of the Franciscan Ministries Board of Governors. Dervan Malcolm was the master of ceremony and Simone Kenny, Alison Wallace and Yekengale accompanied on piano. The concert was held on the grounds of the Immaculate Conception High School, located on Constant Spring Road, St Andrew.