`Kumbaya': Tabernacles holds 58th Christmas concert at Secunderabad

Hyderabad: The Tabernacles presented Kumbaya, its 58th concert at Raja Rajeshwari Gardens, Secunderabad, on December 6. Over a thousand people attended the concert.

The Tabernacle Choir

The Tabernacle Choir in Secunderabad refers to The Tabernacles, a renowned, interdenominational choir known for its classical hymns and carols, one of India's oldest and most active choirs, active for over 58 years, and known for its annual Christmas concerts that benefit charity and keep Western classical music alive in the twin cities. They perform with a large choir and orchestra, bringing together singers from various Christian faiths for seasonal performances.

Oldest Choir

Founded in 1967, it is one of the oldest choirs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with a history of high-quality performances.

Interdenominational

Members come from Protestant, Catholic, and independent churches, united by their love for Christian music.

Conductor

Zubin Gibson leads the choir, continuing the legacy of his father, the late Kenneth V. Gibson, who started with just 9 boys and now has 100 performers. One of the former boys, TT Clement, was felicitated on stage before the program started. Some, like George Cornelius, are still performing in the choir.

They specialize in Western classical hymns and carols, performing works by composers like Handel, Beethoven, and Mozart.

Charitable Work

Proceeds from their annual Christmas concerts often support various charitable causes. This year, entry was free, but money donated by the audience will be given to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.

Performances

They are known for their elaborate Christmas concerts featuring a large choir and orchestra, with free entry, and have performed "The Crucifixion" for Passion Week.

Chief Guest

The chief guest this year was Laura Williams, Consul General, US Consulate General, Hyderabad. Williams released the souvenir and said, “Music extends beyond culture, beyond borders, and brings us joy.” She marveled at the grand legacy of 58 years.

Diverse Music

The concert spanned ninety minutes, 12 hymns and anthems, Christmas classics like Jingle Bells and King of Kings, and Western classical works by geniuses like Handel and Mozart. The 100-plus group included 75 singers backed by 20 violinists, viola players, a pianist, a double bass player, and an appreciative and supportive community.

Young Performers

The HyderabadVoices junior chorus performed to an appreciative audience. Of the 19 members, the youngest member of the choir, Hannah, is only 5 years old. Young Joseph Emmanuel’s melodious solo on piano also enthralled the audience.

Zubin Gibson, the conductor, is the able torchbearer of his father. ‘Winter wonderland’, ‘Nearer my God to thee’, classical pieces of Wolfgang Mozart and Handel, Soulful songs, gentle lullabies like the Soothing and serene ‘Christmas lullaby’, ‘Worship wonder’, ‘King of Kings’, and ‘Mary did you know’ were all beautifully rendered.

After the gentle and lyrical classic charm of Mozart and Christmas carols, there was Community Singing and the audience enthusiastically joined in singing Christmas Specials like ‘Silent Night’, ‘Jingle bells’and ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain’.

Several stalls selling Christmas decorations, ornaments, plum cakes, and eats were also set up.