The Howick Choristers, guest soloists John Butler and Brother Sibonile Mbanjwa, accompanied by organist Robin Walton all under the leadership of John Tungay gave a most beautiful rendition of Sir John Stainer's Easter oratario The Crucifixion in two venues in Howick this week. Not a work I'd heard before, I attended a performance in St Joseph's Catholic church. From the superb choral work (including the a capella piece "God So Loved The World"), to the haunting conversational tone of the tenor and bass duets it was a musical treat and a reminder of what Easter means to Christian believers around the world. The local community has a real asset in this dedicated group of musicians.
During an earlier visit to St Luke's Anglican church, a haven of quiet off the often bustling Main Street of the town, I had noticed a well weathered rustic wooden crucifix in the Garden of Remembrance alongside the church. Adorned with a crown of thorns, someone had placed a small sprig of red pentas flowers in the crown. With a red rose bush planted at the base of the cross (bearing a solitary bud today) the symbolism is self evident.
To all Christian readers - Easter tidings.
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