THE large gathering at the annual choral music offering hosted by Orville Manning at the Spanish Town Methodist Church on Sunday, gave a prolonged applause after the performance by the Nexus Ensemble of a suite of Gregory Isaacs classics.

The acclaimed chorus under the direction of Hugh Douse, had the faithful inside the century-old place of worship bobbing their heads rhythmically to renditions of the Cool Ruler’s gems, but moreso Tune In and Love Overdue.

As much as the late crooner’s suite was the highlight of Mannings’ Christmas Festival of Joy, there were other splendid musical items from both host and chorus. One of striking admiration was Shosoloza from the movie Invictus performed with splendour by chorus led by soloist Andre Dennis.

Hugh Douse justified his exemplary status as director by illustrating artistic qualities with which he stimulated audience participation as he led the ensemble on vocal during its performance of Glory, Glory To God Hallelujah.

Delivering shining performances also were Nexus’ soloists Kimisha Daley on sacred songs like Lord, For They Tender Mercy’s Sake and I Will Give Thanks Unto Thee as well as Danielle Watson who commanded attention with Steal Away To Jesus and teaming up with Azuri Campbell on Encourage Yourself. Hector Lewis Jr and Ron Hochoy held their own in the Michael Jackson segment.

At the event which is now in its 22nd year, the founder/host, Orville Manning’s powerful tenor was at its best. Ably accompanied by pianist Yanique Leiba-Ebanks and organist Trevor Beckford, the richness of his musical calling was made clear with his singing of Then Shall The Righteous Shine. He went on to shine even more on Mary’s Boy Child, then his own composition of To Us A Child of Royal Birth, Do You Hear What I Hear, and on the late Clyde Hoyte’s O’er Our Blue Mountains culminating with O Holy Night in tandem with the chorus.

It was indeed another celebration of excellence in music deserving of being capture on record for posterity.