The senior choir of the East Queen Street Baptist Church in Kingston served up a inspiring evening of music on Good Friday.

The Easter cantata, The Rose Of Calvary, in keeping with the season, followed the Passion of the Christ.

Written by American Joseph Martin, the provided a rich backdrop on which to reflect on the ‘reason for the season’. Using a metaphoric rose as a recurring motif in the pieces, the oratorio included the title-track The Rose of Calvary, Like A Flower In The Desert, A Rose In The Valley, I see a Rose in the Garden and Song of the Thorns.

These were well delivered from the high choir stall located in the gallery above the altar of the old brick church located in downtown Kingston. Choir director Damion Scott must be commended for pulling this together and entertaining the audience which gathered.

The first half of the evening’s proceedings featured a number of guest performers. These included renowned soprano Dr Lucette Cargill whose renditions of O Magnify The Lord and Alleluia, were marred by faulty sound. However, this did not diminish the fine voice that this performer possesses. Another celebrated local soprano, Marilyn Bryce McDonald also delighted the audience with O Divine Redeemer. Her giant swells made for great listening and entertainment. She then partnered with Yvonne Miller for I Waite For The Lord. This proved what a well-executed duet should sound like, as neither soloists outsang the other, but rather displayed great balance and complemented the other’s voice.

The choir from the Boulevard Baptist Church with soloist Damion Scott had hands waving and shouts of “hallelujah” and “thank you Jesus” amidst the thunderous applause following the performance of Set Up Thyself.

Scott again earned the appreciation of the audience when he teamed with Kristal Morgan for I’ve Just Seen Jesus.

Other stand-out performances were Joseph McIntyre’s I Walk with God, tenor David Reid and Thomas Braidy’s trumpet solo. The National Chorale’s presentation of The Lord’s Prayer was indeed moving.

The evening of music was greatly complemented by the readings by narrator Mabel Livingston, whose interpretation of the word was well received.

This cantata was performed as a special tribute for former choir director and director of music at East Queen Street Baptist church, Mavis Martin.