The Handel Manuel Chorus, conducted recently by Sharada Schaffter, presented ‘Hymn of Praise,’ at the Scudder Auditorium, Christian Medical College, Vellore. The concert raised funds for the CMC ‘Emergency Fund,’ which helps many patients with grants to pay for their expensive operations and treatment in the hospital.
Rev. Arul Dhas, CMC Chaplain gave the opening prayer. Dr. Sunil Chandy, director, CMC Vellore, welcomed the gathering and lauded the efforts of the choir (from Chennai). Many of them, along with their friends and family, had also contributed towards the cause, supported by the staff, students and alumni of the College.
As usual the Handel Manuel Chorus brought a wealth of classical music from a variety of composers. With her performance, Sharada Schaffter held both choir and audience in her sway. The choir was expertly accompanied by Jeslyn Asir on the piano, who played with his usual sensitivity and flair.
For the first half of the concert, the choir performed the choral movements of Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise’ (Lobgesang, symphony no. 2). This consists of verses from the Bible set to music and written in 1840 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the invention of the printing press. The soloists were Cleona Abraham, Ebenezer Sathiaraj and Sonali Francis Kutty.
The duet, ‘My song shall be always thy mercy,’ was sung by Cleona Abraham and Ebinezer Sathiaraj, paving the way for the triumphant ‘Ye Nations’ offer to the Lord, finally back full circle to the opening phrase, ‘All men, all things, all that has life and breath praise the Lord.’
The second half began with three short guitar solos,performed by Ahlauya SV Naiud: Bourree (JS Bach), La Gatica (Antonio Lauro) and Allegretto (Ferdinand Carulli).
This was followed by the presentation of well-known pieces such as the ‘Spiritual Joshua fit the battle of Jericho’ (performed by the men) and ‘Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring,’ with Nina Simon on the flute.
For the finale the audience were invited to join in with the lively Tamil lyric ‘Seer Yesu Naadhanukku Jeyamangalam,’ while a special percussion section set the rhythm: choir member Vijay Kumar Desikan on bongos, Ahlauya Naiud and Nina Simon on maracas and shakers.
The evening was a resounding success raising several lakh of rupees for the economically disadvantaged patients being treated at the hospital.
The “CMC Emergency Fund” receives urgent requests for patient grants amounting to around Rs.20 Lakhs every month, and is supported entirely by voluntary donations.
This apart, the Christian Medical College gives free and subsidised treatment to patients every year out of its own funds, as well as by conducting many outreach and community programmes in Vellore and the surrounding areas. The event was organised by the Development Office, CMC Vellore.
For further information write to Hugh Skeil, manager, Development Office, CMC Hospital, Vellore – 632 004. Email dev.office
@cmcvellore.ac.in. Phone: 0416 228 3509.
