THE University Singers bucked tradition at their annual Christmas concert — sponsored by the Bank of Jamaica — inside the University Chapel on the Mona Campus last Wednesday.

Over the years, the classic O Holy Night has become a staple on the programme. ‘Singers’ regulars have looked forward to this piece as the heady notes by sopranos including Raymonde Rohan, Tina Mowatt and, in recent years, Althea McKenzie have proven to be a real delight. But this year would be different. Conductor Franklin Halliburton chose tenor Roy Thompson to lead the popular carol.

Thompson — who wowed audiences this season with a dramatic performance in 1865, the opera based on the Morant Bay rebellion — was in fine form as he exhorted his audience to fall on your knees and hear the angel’s voices: his own smooth, even-paced voice rising to the lofty ceiling of the chapel. Then came the moment and Thompson would not disappoint. His seemingly never-ending note forced members of the audience to rise to their feet in spontaneous applause.

The University Singers is one of the country’s better choral ensembles and, as such, they rarely disappoint. One is always struck by their range and versatility as well as the seamless blend of voices. The presentation ranged from the traditional music for the season, to Jamaican offerings touching almost every genre of music.

The vocal blend on Whence is that Godly Fragrance Flowing was a treat for the ears, Halliburton’s Ave Maria also showcased the rich textures of the voices. There was fun to be had watching and listening to Fum Fum Fum!, the whimsical choreography and ethereal sound of Dave Collington-Davis on piccolo added much to the presentation. The social media carol Text Me Merry Christmas added a 21st-century dimension to the repertoire. Soloists Althea McKenzie, Marcelle Thomas and Shana-Lee Brown delighted with Jessye’s Carol (This Christmastide).

If you have attended over the years, there are certain constants in this holiday presentation. The candlelight march to the strains of Once In Royal David’s City to mark the start of the second half is one University Singers’ tradition. Despite the beauty, there can be a sameness to the presentation. The challenge is, therefore, to ‘freshen’ it up.

One aspect of the ‘freshen up’ came during Merry Christmas Merry Christmas, where the choristers took to the floor and distributed Christmas confectionery to the audience.

The audience was also to be treated during the finale — the medley of Sing De Chorus, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and Ault Lang Syne as holiday confetti bursts coloured the chapel air.