In Awka, Redemption Choir Holds 2021 Choral Festival Amidst Eulogies

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Music has been described as the food of the soul and a therapy to the troubled mind.

The Chaplain, Chapel of Redemption, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Ven. Obiorah Alokwu disclosed this while speaking with newsmen on the occasion of the 2021 Choral Festival held by the Choristers of the Chapel, popularly known as the Redemption Choir.

According to him, the importance, the roles and the benefits of good music to humanity and the society at large can never be overemphasized, hence the need for its sustenance and encouragement.

He commended the choristers for their devotion and commitment to the service of God with their voices, even as he extolled the leadership of the Chapel Choir and everyone who contributed in one way or the other to the success of the day, praying for God's blessings and rewards upon them.

Earlier in his homily at the service of the Choral Festival which held at the Chapel of Redemption, Unizik Temporary Site, Awka, Elder John Ifejika reminded the congregation of the need to learn, submit to and walk in the way of the Lord, especially in these present realities of life and social maladies. 

Citing Psalm 86:11, Elder Ifejika who spoke on the theme "Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord" said, "So, today, we are going to submit ourselves and say Lord we don't have any other place to run to. If you look around around, you will see that things are seriously going wrong in the society."

"Even the church leadership has turned to another thing. Money syndrome is one of the things we are facing today. So, the only hope you have is 'Teach me thy way, o Lord'. Just like David, tell the Lord to teach you His way. Walk in His truth and submit totally to his ways; and that is the only way out," he added.

On her own part, the Choral Director, Chapel of Redemption Choir, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Okpala opined that Music is the only profession that will continue in heaven, and therefore called on others, especially the youths who 'have the voice' to join the choir and offer their voices to the service of God.

While expressing optimism that next year's choral festival will be much greater than this year's, she appreciated Ven. Alokwu and the leadership of the Chapel, the patrons and patronesses of the Chapel Choir, as well as her squad of sonorous choristers who supported the choir and contributed to the success of the day respectively.

The choral service drew the presence of choir patrons and patronesses, as well as Prof. Alvan-Ikoku Nwamara, who is a Professor of African Musical Arts Composition, Theory and Performance, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, among other music enthusiasts and professionals who came from far and near to witness the remarkable 2021 Choral Festival.

The service featured such special renditions as: "O Saviour Hear Me", a solo performed by Diseree Azubike; "The Lord My Shepherd" a solo performed by Chiazokam Sam-Okpala; "Achieved is the Glorious Work" (an anthem); "Rejoice Oh Judah"; "Hallelujah Amen" (an anthem); "Whispering Hope" a solo performed by Ebube Sam-Okpala; Jehovah bụ Onye na-azụ M" (an anthem); "Shew Me Thy Way" performed by Dr. Mrs. Nkechi Okpala; "Dubem Chineke" (a quartet); "How Beautiful Are the Feet" (a solo); "How Beautiful upon the Mountain" an anthem; "Nyenụ Jehovah" (an anthem); "The Marvelous Work" a solo by Chinazaekpere Chidi; "One Day at a Time", a soloby Dame Irene Ifejika; "Sing Unto God" (an anthem); and "Hallelujah Chorus", each of which received standing ovation and  applause from the thrilled congregation who consummately enjoyed and nodded to the melodious tunes of the renditions and the professionalism of the extraordinary organist, Mr. Uzochukwu Nwabuko.

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