The Last 7 Words – Manama Singers – St Christopher’s School

Something perfect and exquisite happened in Saar last Friday.
Whilst most of Bahrain was being entranced by either really fast cars going in elongated circles, or reliving their youth and  bopping to Gloria Gaynor as she proved that she really did survive, some of us were treated to ethereal and soul moving words and music thanks to The Manama Singers.

The Last 7 Words a Lenten Cantata by Theodore Dubois is an incredibly moving story. His selection of texts is considered to be a classic and I admit that I shed a couple of tears as I listened to the emotion behind the words.
It was strange to walk into a school hall rather than the opulence of a Manama hotel; but fitting somehow. The quiet silence of the place hollowed out our thoughts before the singing even began.
All credit to Deborah Monsen, the Manama Singers’ musical director who always manages to bring out a much more professional performance from the Manama Singers than I suspect they believe they are capable of. I imagine it is easy to make all seem as one during the delightful Manama Wall of Sound that I adore so much; but to have them sing seamlessly sotto voice was beyond impressive.
The solos by Mary Vaillancourt, Vaughn Miller, Brad Longfellow, Anna Thompson Hall , Cathy Roberts and Ashish Jacob George, of whom we didn’t hear enough, in my opinion, were splendid.
My only gripe would be that Vaughn Miller and Brad Longfellow, both of whose singing was disturbingly poignant, looked as if they had been offered a sweet and given a prune to suck. I know they were difficult and emotional pieces to sing and I didn’t expect huge grins, but a little less agony would have been fine guys!
The choir perked up, the lights were turned up full and they swung into the amazing ‘Let Everything That Hath Breath’ composition by Jeffery Ames. Joyful does not begin to explore it. This piece just begs for everyone to join in, clap, sing and generally be a part of the celebration.
Once was not enough and even after they sung it once more for us, we could all have sat for another go round!
And, before I end, I must give thanks to the accompanist Jill Laping who brought such magic to the works. She was spot on at every level and she rocked it with the choir for the last gospel song.
I am always saying it, but that does not make it any the less true. The Manama Singers give the best value for money one can expect anywhere. They may sing for the joy of it, but they give such a professional performance every time and the true joy is with the audience. Thank you all.

Christine Hasan