FOR some persons in the Corporate Area, their Yuletide season officially begins after the University Singers perform during their annual Bank of Jamaica-sponsored Christmas recital.

As a result, it is reported that from early as 3:00 pm patrons began arriving at the historic chapel on the University of the West Indiesâ Mona campus, on Wednesday, ahead of the 6:00 pm start.

By start time the chapel and tent, which was set up on the outside for closed circuit television viewing, were filled to capacity leaving patrons to seek any possible spot to view the presentation. This did not deter patrons from enjoying the near two-and-a-half hours of musical delight.

This year, the ‘Singers’ brought drama and movement to the Christmas presentation.

Over the years, the late Professor Rex Nettleford had introduced movement into the presentation of the renowned choir. This year, that work was used to maximum effect as the choir moved, shook, and clapped their way into the hearts of the audience.

From the triumphant opening sequence of Sing We Joyfully to the drums of Alleluia (Laudes Creaturarum), the audience was in for a treat.

Regular soloist Danielle Nelson was on point in her delivery of Gesu Bambino and used the central aisle of the cut-stone chapel to dramatic effect. She was ably supported by flautist Anthony Alexander. There was more drama to come as soprano Carolyn Reid-Cameron’s take on Sweet Little Jesus Boy saw the addition of dancer Mikail Samuels. This added a new dimension to the popular spiritual. The dramatic flavour of the recital reached fever pitch when tenor Roy Thompson stepped front and centre. His booming voice was perfect for Round the Glory Manger and earned him a rousing applause.

The movement which was so evident earlier reached its peak with the all-male chorus on Star of Bethlehem. They danced and sang their way through the penultimate offering of the first half.

Regulars to this Christmas presentation are familiar with the candlelight entry to Once in Royal David’s City. This year, the choir added a new dimension by lining the main aisles. They would then segue into Everlasting Light. With the chapel’s lights dimmed, the choristers then lit hundreds of tea lights which were placed among the pews and like the song’s chorus read… filling the darkness with everlasting light. This was a spectacular sight, especially for those seated upstairs.

The second half, although not as exciting as the first, did have its moments.

Still Nacht done in two languages, and with Norman McCallum on guitar, was a good listen as was Carol of the Bells — the three sopranos worked well on this piece.

The evening came to a climax with Noel Dexter’s Sing De Chorus which flowed into a medley of We Wish You a Merry Christmas and Auld Lang Syne.