The Manama Singers presented Bahrain’s first ChoirFest at the Cultural Hall in Manama.
It was a huge success and considering that it was up against the pull of Bahrain’s 20th Formula One event makes it all the more impressive.
Twelve choirs from around the Gulf made it a memorable and joyful occasion.
OK, to be fair, there were a few technical glitches that I am sure will be addressed before the next ChoirFest, and there has to be more, it was such a joyous and heart-warming occasion.
Understandably, food and drinks were not allowed into the venue, we had to brave the harsh March wind and queue for a cup of scolding hot coffee and, by the time we actually got ours, the final bell had been rung, and my friend and I burned our mouths trying to take a gulp before heading back into the auditorium. As the concert was four hours long, we needed that drink!
Starting from the opening numbers performed by the Manama Singers – Bohemian Rhapsody and Angels – the audience were wrapped up in the occasion.
Angels brought me to tears, as it always does when performed well, which it certainly was.
Every choir brought a new delight, often in a language I did not fully understand. Fortunately, there was one universal theme that shone through during the entire festival – that of love, unity, joy and heartfelt wonder.
In order of appearance, the choirs were as follows:
Manama Singers
The Bahrain Mar Thoma Parish Choir
The Bahrain Malayalee VCSI Parish Choir
The Kuwait Men’s Voice Choir
The YMCA Choir, Bahrain
The Kuwait Chamber Chorale
The Ahmedi Music Group from Kuwait
The Bahrain CSE South Kerala Choir
The Joyful Singers from the UAE
The Najd Choir from Saudi Arabia
Nadeen School Choir from Bahrain
And, the American School of Bahrain’s Festival Singers
The finale featured the two school choirs backed up by The Manama Singers in a beautiful rendition of The Circle of Life from The Lion King.
And then suddenly it was all over, and with the glorious music and voices still foremost in our heads, we had to leave the Cultural Hall and brave the journey home.
To pick a winner from all these glorious musicians would be impossible. Fortunately it was not a competition but a showcase. They brought something so magical into our lives for a day, but I think I may be forgiven for highlighting the Najd Choir from Saudi Arabia, under the direction of Mr Adnan Rashid.
All amateurs, they rehearse for nine hours a week, but this dedication shone through in their performance. I think I can safely say that everyone in the audience was entranced.
I hope that ‘ChoirFest Bahrain II’ is not too far away and that next time they have to turn people away or put it on over two days, to accommodate everyone who wants to see it!
Special congratulations to Hannah Turner who glued everything together as a wonderful compare and to Jo Diciolla who was tasked with chairing the committee for the entire event.
I shall be talking about it for many weeks to come. Congratulations to everyone who performed or was involved.
A brilliant inaugural ChoirFest Bahrain and a magical afternoon’s entertainment does not come easy. Thank you all.
– Christine Hasan
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