Oropune gets some Christmas cheer

VALDEEN SHEARS

THE quiet community of Oropune Gardens, Piarco, resonated with both gospel and Christmas songs, as residents were treated to a community concert hosted by the Tacarigua Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

The event, which took place below two tents, alongside the community play park on Saturday, was also under the patronage of the Oropune Police Youth Club.

Electric violinist Darion Dennis won the audience's heart with two compelling performances. Playing with his eyes shut, Dennis' passionate version of O Night Divine and Tasha Cobbs' Break Every Chain drew rousing applause. Residents who had opted to stay indoors were seen looking on from their balconies as Dennis held his audience captive.

A unique act which drew keen attention was the church's Bell Choir. Eight young members, led by music director, musician and singer Alvita Phillips, left the audience in awe as they performed entire songs using small coloured bells. Each bell is tuned to a different note and is housed in a special box-like case built by Phillips' father, cabinet-maker George Phillips.

Phillips, who opened the concert with her solo performance of Grace is Greater than Sin, said the youths were committed to providing a unique sound, even if it meant intense practice at times.

Sisters Kirlicia, ten, and nine-year-old Kelsi Jack sang We have a Saviour and their harmonising skills drew murmurs of approval and an "encore" call from one enthusiastic supporter.

Not to be outdone, Oropune resident Khadeen Neptune, 17, wowed with her performances of Hillsong's Oceans and the seasonal gospel Mary Did You Know.

Much to the delight of the audience, Joseph Charles performed a reggae version of the gospel hit How Great is Our God. For his second performance, Charles was accompanied by Kirlon Jack.

The City of Gold, an upbeat gospel, was performed by a trio, Faith Jackson, Dahlia Wade-Bowen and Phillips. The audience was also entertained by singers Kishell Felix, Sean Thompson, poet Janet St Hillaire and Lystra Joseph on the recorder.

Residents were also treated to refreshments, as MC Gersha Pierre, offered a vote of thanks. Pierre called for residents to be grateful for what little they had, as across the country there were many who went without daily.