The heritage of church music has something wonderful to say to the human spirit, something words alone cannot say.
The annual carol evening ‘Divine Incarnation,’ organised by the Thiruvalla Male Voices and Choral Society, at the Dr Alexander Marthoma Memorial Auditorium in Thiruvalla on Saturday night turned out to be a big draw, heralding the Christmas season in Central Travancore.
It was raining carol songs based on the birth of Jesus Christ atop the Syrian Christian Seminary Hills in the heart of Thiruvalla. The musical event began with the popular traditional hymn, ‘O come ye faithful...’
Leading the treat
Prof Jacob Kurien, society director and choir master, led the musical treat. The Thiruvalla Male Voices and Choral Society is considered to be an outstanding choral ensemble of the Christian musical tradition in Central Travancore today.
The choir has a remarkably varied repertoire to whom the art of music is divine that surpasses all boundaries of religion and cultures.
The Choral Society has its genesis in the church choir formed in 1961 at the St Thomas Mar Thoma Church in Thiruvalla, says Prof Kurien. Bishop Thomas Samuel of the Church of South India, who himself has proved excellence in the field of Christian devotional music, is the society patron.
The ‘Divine Incarnation,’ presented by the choir, is regarded as one of the finest of its kind in the whole State. Though the Choral Society is basically Christian, people from other sections of the society too converge at the SC Seminary Hills that houses the Mar Thoma Church headquarters in Thiruvalla to relish its musical treat.
Talking to The Hindu, Prof Kurien said, “one of the greatest gifts ever to be received by mankind is music that connects, unites and heals people.” The choir plays a key role in making its members self-disciplined. Moreover, an hour’s practice very well nourishes both the body and soul, says Prof Kurien.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of the Thiruvalla Archdiocese of the Syro Malankara Catholic Church, Thomas Mar Koorilos, delivered the benedictory address and Bishop Thomas Samuel made the introductory remarks. Fr V.M. Mathew, society president; Joe Thomas, vice-president; and Sam Thomas Joy, secretary; also spoke.
The musical event came to a close with the traditional Christmas song written by Joseph Mohr: ‘Silent Night, Holy Night! All is calm, all is bright! Round you Virgin Mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace…..’