In preparation for Crist the King’s birth

Dec 20, 2001

SO what was it that tempted a multitude to sit attentively in the 71-year-old Church on December 16? What would possibly induce one to forego a Sunday afternoon nap at home and trek along the dust-littered city streets, amid the afternoon scorching sun to sit in this radical glazed building?

By Cynthia Nankumba SO what was it that tempted a multitude to sit attentively in the 71-year-old Church on December 16? What would possibly induce one to forego a Sunday afternoon nap at home and trek along the dust-littered city streets, amid the afternoon scorching sun to sit in this radical glazed building? Time check 4:05pm. Men and women of Christ the King choir squeeze through the entrance in a procession, raising their voices with Jjangu jjangu gwe Kristu, calling upon the Holy Spirit to descend upon and bless the congregation. Their smiles illustrate their eagerness to usher us in the festive season. Dressed in Mushanana, a Kinyarwanda outfit, the elegant ladies fill up the front and second stairs, while the Kanzu-clad gentlemen settle for the back positions. The 60-member choir then unleashes But who may abide the day of his coming, which conjures up images of the little Jesus lying innocently in a manger. A quartet, the cream of the choir, light up our faces with Rejoice in the Lord. Florence Bukenya’s deep and well-toned alto sends the congregation elongating their necks, to get a clear view of the owner of the voice. The choir then goes full blast, cheering up the audience with And the Glory, composed by G.F. Handel, an 18th century musician of the Hallelujah chorus that made England’s King George II rise up to his feet. Christ the King Choir, established in 1936, is the oldest of the six Christ the King Parish choirs and boasts of the best vocalists in the Parish. It has on many occasions performed internationally, for instance in 1998 and last year, it participated in three international choral events in Canada and Oregon, USA and effectively represented Africa at the two festivals. It has also won many local music festivals held at the deanery and diocesan levels. One of the choir’s memorable events is when it joined the Namirembe Cathedral Choir and performed during Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s wedding to Sylvia Nagginda in 1999. The second part of the concert unleashes a new set of musicians; the Nyenga Seminary boys. Smartly dressed in their white short-sleeved shirts and blue trousers, they march forth to the congregation’s applause. They set off with For unto us a child is born, which unleashes their blended projected voices, which keeps the congregation wondering whether the sopranos were actually girls, clad in men’s wear. Christ the King choir returns with John Rutter’s Sans’s Day carol. The well-attended concert is climaxed with our homemade pieces. ends

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