In this most trying season of goodwill, choir members stay on song by performing online
One of Dubai’s most popular choirs recorded a video performance for Christmas.
The 30-strong Christian Voices Chorale usually sings during festive Mass at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai.
However, churches have been closed for most of the year as a measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
That did not stop the choir, which is predominantly Filipino, from recording carols and hymns to be played during an online Christmas service.
“We thought it was important to stay connected. People can still pray at home and watch the services,” said choir member Sharon Elaurza, 44.
“It’s important to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas, which is supporting each other. We have a community in the choir who all look out for one another.”
The past year has been a difficult one for many, with pay cuts, redundancies and isolation caused by social distancing and travel restrictions.
Members of Christian Voices Chorale were no different when it came to the effects of the pandemic.
“We had 44 members this time last year but many had to return to their home country because of redundancies,” Ms Elaurza said. “Many of us haven’t been able to see loved ones back home.
“Some of us had close family members die and were unable to travel back for the funerals. That’s why we thought it was more important than ever to raise some Christmas spirit and help to put a smile on people’s faces.”
She said that recording the music video was the first time most of the choir had seen each other in person since the pandemic began.
“It was an amazing opportunity to be able to perform again,” Ms Elaurza said. “It’s certainly been a huge help in terms of mental health.”
Although the choir was able to perform together for the Christmas video, social distancing meant the group was divided into several teams, taking separate shifts to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The recording sessions were split into two sections, with the choir performing the music for the Mass together but performing individually at home for the carols, which will be played before the service.
“It meant so much to us to be able see each other again,” said Filipino Ronald Trinio, 41, who sings baritone.
“Singing is our passion and it binds us together. It had been almost a year since a lot of us had seen each other.”
The financial planner said the project also allowed choir members to connect with family at home, who were able to watch the Mass online.
“It’s a great way to reach out to people that we haven’t been able to see,” he said.
“Friends and family around the world have told us they are excited to get the chance to watch. It makes us very proud.”
Friends and family around the world have told us they are excited to get the chance to watch. It makes us very proud RONALD TRINIO
Choir member