Hebarian Vocals, the group of 100 students of the Bishop Heber College, entertained a select gathering with its maiden choral performance billed as “Seasonal Carols” at the institution’s open-air basketball stadium on Wednesday.
Trained by Alex Rajakumar Paul, Assistant Professor of English, who officiated as the choirmaster, the students sang 10 devotional songs in English and Tamil that signified the spirit of Christmas and highlighted the year-end festive spirit in the city.
The students, dressed in fetching colour-co-ordinated costume, and standing in ascending rows against a simple backdrop decorated with balloons and fairy lights, sang a rousing “Come All Ye Faithful” as college officials lit the votive candles to inaugurate the function.
Addressing the gathering, Principal D. Paul Dhayabaran said the group had been formed keeping in mind the golden jubilee celebrations of the college coming up in 2016, and with the aim of giving musically talented alumni of the college a chance to showcase their skills.
“They sing together, blending together, raising their voice so melodiously to bring glory to the Lord Almighty,” he said.
Among the carols presented were Harken to the Flight of Christmas Angels , When Christ was Born of Mary , and One Cold and Blessed Winter , interspersed with Tamil songs.
The lyrics were projected on a wide-screen television to help guests to sing along. Down Bethlehem Way All Merry and Gay , Beautiful Night, and Loveliest Night were the other English songs that were rendered during the performance. Musical accompaniment was provided by Jeric and Hollins (violins), Frazer Joe and Professor Franklin (keyboards).
The Christmas message was delivered by Rev. I. Franklin, the college chaplain.
The evening, chilled with winter breeze, concluded with the most-awaited “Silent Night” by candle light and with the final benediction by the Bishop and Chairman of the college, Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Vasanthakmar.