Come Share this Feast of Love

Last evening, after months of practises VOP performed at yet another concert, this time to raise funds for the St Andrew's Autism Centre. The VCH was about 60% full even though the tickets were all sold out. But it was nice that we have the support of the Archbishop as well as our former DPM and his family.

The choir members were visibly tired from the intense rehersals over the past few weeks, and the rush to the concert after a long day at work. Still, we sang to our hearts' content as we were reminded that it is a time dedicated to worship, not perform. And kudos to Emilia our concert pianist who probably had the most difficult task having to play all the 24 chorales. Luke also accompanied in some of the pieces with his remarkable violin skill. The best moment of the evening was when the audience stood to join in the finale 'How Great Thou Art'. And I love how we ended with the last encore song 'Offertory', my favourite piece.

It was a simple concert with little fanfare. Only a few other volunteers were engaged to help in the event. Apart from singing, Sam was also responsible for the catering. Thank God the caterer arrived just in time to setup for the tea reception meant for the VIPs during intermission. They were half an hour later than the planned delivery time!

VCH does not exactly have a very friendly backstage to house 50+ of us, and we were all exhausted from standing through the night on and off stage. Most of our members are in their 50s and above, so you can imagine the challenges they have to face. As for me, I need to get better shoes! Also, we had to ensure that we drink enough water to clear our throat and at the same time, not drink too much as there are only 2 cubicles in each washroom backstage!

After the concert, some of us headed for supper at Kah Soh at Amoy St and had a great time of fellowship. It was followed by dessert at a Porridge restaurant a few shops down the road when we spotted John and his family on our way home. We finally arrived home around 1 am.

Glad that it is over. And we have again mastered some new chorales and proud to be able to serve in this meaningful manner. Our next project will be for a Christmas cantata in KL this Dec and practise will begin next Sunday. Looking forward to that!