As part of the Cayman Arts Festival, the Harlem Gospel Choir put on a spectacular performance Thursday for more than 1,000 children in Cayman.
A choir member hits a high note. |
The one-hour afternoon concert took place at the First Baptist Church and was rammed full with children of all ages from Cayman’s local schools, with extra seats bought in to accommodate all.
Part of the educational aspect of the second bi-annual arts festival, judging on the beaming faces, the workshop was a resounding success.
Although the children were somewhat reserved during the opening number of O’ Lord We Praise You, they were quick to get into the spirit of the event, and it wasn’t long until everyone was standing up, singing and dancing along.
The choir, who perform across the globe, are one of the most pre-eminent gospel choirs and performed in their trademark black outfits, trimmed in bright orange with matching collars and waistcoats.
‘We are going to have to make some rules,’ shouted out one choir member. ‘You are not in school, you are at a concert. You can make as much noise as you want. Let me hear you scream.’ And scream they did.
The choir’s confident energy and their obvious love of gospel music filled the room, creating an electrifying atmosphere that left everyone shouting out for more.
Not a note was out of place as the 11-strong choir, which included a keyboard player and drummer, belted out a host of songs, including I Believe I Can Fly, Joyful Joyful, O Happy Day, Celebration and Joy. Many were left in awe at the extraordinary power of the choir’s voices, which at times sent shivers down your spine.
Children from the audience were brought up on stage to sing along with the choir. Even teachers were pulled into the action.
The choir, a gathering of the finest singers and musicians from various black churches in Harlem, travel the world sharing its joy of faith through its music and raising funds for children’s charities.
The Harlem Gospel Choir, which consists of approximately 100 members, but tours with around 13, is the first gospel group to perform at the arts festival and was keen to participate in a workshop specifically for the children.
‘We always enjoy doing workshops,’ said Jocelyn Brown, a Harlem Gospel Choir member. ‘It’s always a good show and while on tour we always try to put workshops on wherever we go. Lately we have been doing more and more of them.
‘The children were wonderful. They had so much energy and I think they got a great deal out of it.’
The gospel choir has just come to the end of a three month tour taking in the West coast of the US, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Japan and Italy.
It was the first time the choir had performed in Cayman and Ms Brown commented that judging by the enthusiastic reaction from the children they would definitely be back.
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