Crisp December air, a vast expanse of school ground and 18 choirs over two evenings – there’s no secret as to why the MCC Alumni Carol Concert has become something of a tradition every year. “We always stay clear of weekends when conducting this concert because choirs are not free on those days,” says Ravi Santhosham, vice president of the MCC Alumni Association. He adds, “But a weekday evening has never affected the turnout, not at Christmas time.” The line up for the concert’s 15th consecutive year on the MCC School grounds included a large selection of contemporary carols over traditional carols that one can sing along to. Some of the choirs that performed at the two-part concert were The Celestial Voices, Mellow Circle, Madras Musical Association Choir, St Andrew’s Kirk Choir and quite a few school choirs as well.
Perhaps one of the most memorable performances of Tuesday evening were the youngsters of the MCC Hr Sec School Choir with a peppy Shake Up The Happiness complete with beatboxing for an unexpected modern twist. There was even a stylish Santa Claus sporting dark shades who made an appearance, did a little dance gig and then asked the kids: ‘So have you been good this Christmas?’ We knew the kids would offer a unanimous, “Yes!” But Santa made things a bit more interesting, when he followed it up with: ‘Prove it.’ And they did, in speedy ‘rap response!
Also a force to reckon with, were the Canticles. Traditional and soulful with rich baritones and harmony – this all men’s choir was without a doubt, one of the evening’s highlights. If you haven’t heard them perform before, you may want to look out for them this season. There was something magical about their renditions of the popular Go Tell It On the Mountain and Hark The Herald Angels Sing – with voices crystal clear, controlled and powerful. So much so that the group managed to outsing the loud rumblings of a passing train nearby.
The only dampener to the evening was that several seats were left vacant before the end of the show. On the flip side, parking for once wasn’t the clogged nightmare that it usually is. Hopefully the Christmas spirit picks up with the marathon of concerts to come this December.