The Tribune

UNDER the patronage of the Bishop Laish Boyd, Sr, and Boyd, the Anglican Chorale will be presenting its ninth annual Festival of Hymns and Anthems at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street, on Sunday, November 16. The concert starts at 4pm and admission is free; an offering will be taken.

This year’s event promises to be exciting and special as the conductor, Dexter Fernander, has introduced a few new elements to the programme, including the Highgrove Singers (conducted by Adrian Archer), Lee Callender on piano, and also female and male ensembles from within the Chorale. The group will also be joined in the finale by the Bahamas Christian Chorale. Organists on this occasion will be Edward Cox, Preston R Ferguson, Sr, and Jeffrey Sturrup. Pianists Kendrick Coleby and Raymond Antonio will also take part.

Since its inception in 2006, the Hymn Festival has received widespread support from Anglicans and the wider community, and has become one of the signature events of the Diocese.

A number of CDs have been produced, featuring favourite hymns and anthems of the church. The objective of the Chorale is to bring together persons who are interested in keeping alive the singing of the traditional hymns of the church, while at the same time singing more contemporary music, all to the glory of God.

Over the years, the Chorale has made donations to the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Direct contributions have also been given to assist in the restoration of two churches in Cat Island and Andros respectively. The proceeds from the most recent “Celebrating the Joy of Music” concert were donated to the Diocese to assist with the restoration of Family Island churches.

Over the past few years, Rosemary C Hanna has been assisted by Allison Dean, who has returned to university abroad, and Dexter Fernander. However, Mrs Hanna said that there comes a time when one has to relinquish authority and allow younger people with new ideas to take over. Having been at the helm of the Chorale for the past 10 years she will resign at the end of this year and pass the baton to the very capable hands of Adrian Archer, who will continue to be assisted by Dexter Fernander.