Teino Evans, Staff ReporterThey have been thrilling audiences locally and internationally with their melodious voices and stamina for the better part of 20 years. The Portmore Chorale continues to endure, sure and steadfast in their faith and musical ministry.
The concept was conceived in May 1985 during a choir festival at the Portmore United Church. It was later decided that auditions should be held in the summer of the same year.
From these auditions, the Portmore Chorale was formed under the directorship of Delroy Williams and chaired by Trevor Brown, baritone and organist. Karen Hewitt-Kennedy, the principal of the Portmore Community College and a member of the Church of Reconciliation, currently chairs the chorale.
In September 1985, with a membership of 34, the chorale commenced rehearsals offi
cially, accompanied by pianist Karen Henry.
a non-profit group
The membership of the chorale was drawn from approximately 11 denominations, consisting primarily of persons who lived in Portmore, while others joined from neighbouring Kingston and Spanish Town.
Described as a non-profit interdenominational singing group, the group currently comprises eight denominations and sings to the tune of their mission:"To bring together members of various denominations in the area for the purpose of ministering in music, with the ultimate goal of glorifying God".
The Portmore Chorale has two major concert seasons each year, in July and December. During the Easter season, the chorale shares in worship or presents concerts at various churches, especially those with one of their number in the chorale. However, invitations are accepted all year round, except for August when the group enjoys a deserved recess.
Over the past 20 years, the chorale has ministered in many churches across the island, and according to Karen Henry, assistant director and accompanist, they are extremely grateful as they have been warmly welcomed into hearts, homes and churches to share the word of God in song.
The Portmore Chorale has also enjoyed warm responses from audiences outside of Jamaica. Karen Henry can recall some of these good times abroad.
"The year 1991 was an exciting one for the chorale, as we ventured on our first overseas tour. In July of that year,
following our local performances, we widened our horizons to Grenada, where we presented three concerts. We forged links with the friendly people of the 'Spice Island' and they altered our name slightly to 'The Portmore Chorale of Jamaica'," Henry recalled.
Due to financial constraints the Portmore Chorale did not attempt another overseas tour until July 1994, when the group visited Trinidad and Barbados.
"In Trinidad, the Jamaica High Commission and the Jamaican-Trinidadian community warmly received us. In Barbados, the Moravian Church pulled out all the stops to ensure that our visit was successful and rewarding. Thanks to them we performed to full houses at four concerts and still found time to enjoy their hospitality. Our third tour to date was in Barbados and took place in March 2004. This time the Methodists and Anglicans took good care of us," Henry noted.
Over the years, the Chorale has widened its repertoire to include classical, gospel, Negro Spiritual, West Indian folk songs, nursery rhymes, a capella favourites by the male group and pieces by noted Caribbean composers such as Noel Dexter.
Development is important and from time to time scholarships have been given to members for training in vocal techniques and music theory. Many of the members have benefited and have been utilising their skills in their local churches.
"We feel that God has given us a special ministry and we intend to continue to praise Him in song and in deed, thereby serving Him the best way we can. We have had tremendous support from the Church of Reconciliation, Portmore Missionary Church and the Church of the Holy Spirit, which have allowed us to use their facilities for rehearsals over the years," Henry said.
following our local performances, we widened our horizons to Grenada, where we presented three concerts. We forged links with the friendly people of the 'Spice Island' and they altered our name slightly to The Portmore Chorale of Jamaica," Henry recalled.
Due to financial constraints, the Portmore Chorale did not attempt another overseas tour until July 1994, when the group visited Trinidad and Barbados.
"In Trinidad, the Jamaica High Commission and the Jamaican-Trinidadian community warmly received us. In Barbados, the Moravian Church pulled out all the stops to ensure that our visit was successful and rewarding.
PERFORMED TO FULL HOUSES
Thanks to them, we performed to full houses at four concerts and still found time to enjoy their hospitality. Our third tour to date was in Barbados and took place in March 2004. This time the Methodists and Anglicans took good care of us," Henry noted.
Over the years, the chorale has widened its repertoire to include classical, gospel, Negro spirituals, West Indian folk songs, nursery rhymes, a capella favourites by the male group and pieces by noted Caribbean composers such as Noel Dexter.
Development is important and from time to time, scholarships have been given to members for training in vocal technique and music theory. Many of the members have benefited and have been utilising their skills in their local churches.
"We feel that God has given us a special ministry and we intend to continue to praise Him in song and in deed, thereby serving Him the best way we can. We have had tremendous support from the Church of Reconciliation, Portmore Missionary Church and the Church of the Holy Spirit, which have allowed us to use their facilities for rehearsals over the years," Henry said.
