Portmore Chorale spreads the gospel

Michael Reckord, Gleaner Writer

Energetically conducted by its founder and choirmaster Delroy Williams, the Portmore Chorale delighted a small audience at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Saturday evening. The concert was one of a proposed two by the choir on the weekend, the other having been scheduled for the following day in Independence City.

Saturday's concert began with the audience and chorale singing O Holy Night, but after that initial carol, all that was asked of the audience was appreciation and applause. They gave it generously, and the performers deserved every round of applause, every cheer.

There were more performers than just the 20-odd singing members of the chorale, its conductor and assistant director-pianist Karen Henry. There were also an accompanying band, special guests, the Pembroke Hall Methodist Blueprint Steel Band, a talented 19-year-old baritone, Jomo Aikens, and trumpeter Craig Henry.

The quality of the singing demonstrated why the chorale has not only lasted for 26 years but has been invited to perform around the island and throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Blessed with the full range of voices - basses, tenors, contraltos and sopranos - the chorale has a rich, textured sound.

It also has a large repertoire which spans the classics, gospel, spirituals, Christmas carols, popular songs and Caribbean folk songs. Selections from all the above were put into Saturday night's programme which lasted nearly three hours.

The full chorale performed in six separate segments. They were divided by solos by Aikens (Nessum Dorma and O Holy Night) and Henry (Silver Bells); a duet by two women, Kimberly Walsh and Judy-Marie Williams (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas), and the chorale's male chorus (Sing Your Way Home).

Aikens, a teen with an amazingly mature, sonorous voice, was the most noteworthy performer of the evening, and between songs he told The Gleaner he was entirely self-taught. Though with his talent he could become a professional singer, and is currently a member of the St James Cathedral choir, he said his career goals were journalism and politics.

Passion to serve Jamaica

"My passion is to serve Jamaica," he said and, explaining the orange-coloured T-shirt he wore, added that he was a member of the People's National Party Youth Organisation.

A member of the lively, professional-sounding steel band — which played a medley of tunes, including Joy to the World, The Lord's My Shepherd, and Hark The Herald Angels Sing — told this reporter that the group started in 2001 (with the UWI Panoriddims Steel Band) and got its own instruments in 2006.

One of the best-received segments of the evening was the chorale's West Indian selections. It comprised Mary's Boy Child, Early Christmas Morning, De Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy and Run, Come Quick.

The particularly beautiful final song, Saved, was sung with lights dimmed in the sanctuary and with the members of the chorale holding lighted candles.

Director Williams told The Gleaner that the mission of the chorale was to spread the gospel and help to train people for "higher service". The weekend's joyous concerts should have helped to fulfil that objective.