SUNDAY evening’s debut performance of the Mona Campus Male Chorus (MCMC) — under the baton of the venerable Noel Dexter — was the dawn of a new epoch of music for Jamaica, specifically the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Dubbed ‘Songs of Joy and Inspiration,’ the audience was treated to a smorgasbord of music of superlative quality. From sacred songs to pop, the programme featured arrangements that filled the University Chapel with chords of ringing clarity that evoked goose pimple after goose pimple.

The evening opened with A Psalm of Praise by Kenneth T Kosche. The chorus assembled at the rear of the chapel and the audience was obviously overcome as the sound from behind them filled the edifice. From the first note, the evening’s programme had already managed to impress.

Daniel Protheroe’s Laudamas featured impressive blend between and the four-part chorus — first and second tenors and first and second basses. Notably, one the evening’s most moving pieces was Beautiful Saviour, of the same arranger. It was here the beautiful and grand blend of tone and colour, with interpretative contrasts, was most evident. Surely, the MCMC had established their own sound with gilt-edged standard. The group’s attention to enunciation is equally commendable.

The first half also included Barry Chevannes’ Black Up and Dexter’s Psalm 23, again with the MCMC’s now-distinct sound. The Negro spirituals Standin’ In The Need of Prayer and Heab’n Heab’n arranged by Tom Fettke, with a somewhat glee club treatment, were also well presented.

Instead of intermission, Dexter invited the audience to join in singing Michael’s Jackson’s Heal The World. This was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience.

The second half opened with an inspiring arrangement of You’ll Never Walk Alone. There also a tribute to mothers ofBecause You Loved Me, arranged by Shane Wright. They also showcased an interesting medley arrangement of Jackson’sMan In The Mirror/Will You Be There.

The group does not have strength in soloists, but the second half solos were notably stronger. Wright’s presentation on the Kathy Brown-arranged One Song must be ascribed special mention. One audience member said “Smooth!” at its end. The audience gave a hand-raising response to Recardo Campbell’s rendition of the popular He’ll Do It Again.

Dexter, in giving programme notes, explained to the audience the genesis of the group and how the programme came together. He received a standing ovation when he expressed, “…I give thanks for being here to lead this…”

Group member Nico Blackwood said that: “This is the culmination of lots of work. Last week, we wondered if it would all come today. I am glad the audience was pleased.”