THE symbolism of each chorister placing a single bloom to create a floral centrepiece at the altar could not be missed on Sunday, as the University Singers presented their annual concert for the season — This Joyful Eastertide. Like the floral arrangement, the renowned choir is a composite of truly talented soloists who showcased their individual talents in the yearly event, which was held at the University Chapel, Mona campus in St Andrew.

Rarely does this choir offer anything below standard, and under the watchful eyes of current conductor and director Franklin Halliburton and founding director Noel Dexter, they delivered what was truly an inspiring two hours of sacred music.

It was an evening for the soloists and newer voices and familiar faces both delivered what was expected of them.

Halliburton provided double duties as he offered not one but two solo pieces. His booming voice filled the old, cut-stone chapel as he presented

This Joyful Eastertide andI’ll Walk with God. Soprano Ranice Barrett drew in her audience with her interpretation ofRide on King Jesus, hitting heady notes with control. Long-standing member Carolyn Reid-Cameron was touching and tender with Charles Gounod’sO Divine Redeemer. Hanief Lallo was another of the soloists who impressed as he presentedEternal Life (the prayer of St Francis of Assisi). Althea McKenzie, Christine Walters and Kimone Johnson also delivered creditably.

There were however, instances which the ‘Singers’ will have to perfect. Andre Bernard has been doing solo work since his days at Cornwall College in Montego Bay. A strong tenor, however, his flare for dramatics can sometimes pull the attention from the voice. This proved a little distracting as did his

The Lord is My Light andMy Salvation. The duet on The King of Love My Shepherd Is, featuring Stefan Morris and Bradley Ramhing, will only get stronger when these two gentlemen gel as a pair. They seemed distant, hence the blend was not attained.

Chorally, the University Singers is known for that complete, well-blended sound, and they achieved this on

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, andAll Things Bright and Beautiful, which contained beautiful moments for the altos. The Easter medley featuringGethsemane, Were You There, He Suffered andBright Angel Roll The Stone Away and Dexter’s popularO Praise Ye The Lord, were well received.

Peter Tosh’s

JahIs My Keeper brought another great evening of music by the University Singers to a sombre close.