Brickdam Cathedral’s Sacred Concert

An evening of delightful music and dance

It was a delightful evening indeed. And I just managed to stumble on it. A chance phone call to a radio personality and she told me of the Sacred Concert to mark the 100th anniversary of the Brickdam Cathderal at the National Cultural Centre the following night.

So there I was, ensconced between Mrs Osman and a pretty young lady, as the Police Military Band managed a rousing fanfare, the brass resounding and pompous. The programme that followed was quite worthy of this impressive curtain raiser and the next three hours proved to be a worthwhile interlude that ran the gamut from song and dance to charming choral performances.
One of the highlights was presented by the accomplished Loncke brother and sister team. Jocelyn on piano and John on violin played Cesar Franck’s Sonata in A, and while the violin offered a splendid interpretation, Dr Loncke came up with a bravura accompaniment.This added en element of glamour and shine to the item.

As for the choirs, they were disciplined, with commendable stage presence. The Woodside ensemble, as might be expected, was in fine form and the men’s voices, the baritones and tenors, are as splendid as ever.
The other choirs were the Brickdam Cathedral Choir, the Marigold Choir and the Sunshine Choir.
But the evening’s piece de resistance was the Circle of Love Quartet, in an a capella performance of Swing Down Sweet Chariot. From the Adventist Church, the quartet is blessed with two incredible baritones and two clear tenors, and their harmonizing was a joy to listen to, in the best ‘barber shop’ quarter tradition.
There were two offerings from the National Dance Company, quite professional, and there were also two dance items from the Indian Cultural Centre, to do with an episode in the life of Lord Krishna; the intricate Indian rhythm cycles were in sharp contrast to the other dances, and the organisers attempt to be somewhat inclusive did not quite jell with the rest of the concert.
The evening was made more entertaining with the beautiful emceeing by one of radio’s better commentators, Michaela Ali.
The curtain came down on a rousing rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah.
The Sacred Concert worked beautifully. Its organisers must be commended for a job well done.