THE Methodist School of Music (MSM) celebrated its 8th Anniversary with a concert at Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church (TA2 Sanctuary) on April 30. It was an evening of choral, vocal, violin, guitar, harp, piano and organ music.
After the opening address by Ms Mary Gan, the Principal of MSM, the event began with the singing of the hymn “Lasst uns erfreuen” (“All Creatures of Our God”).
The Rev Wee Boon Hup, President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC), led in the Litany of Thanksgiving. The theme song, “Many Gifts, One Spirit”, was then sung by all present.
Violinist Yew Shan gave a sparkling rendition of the Preludio and Gavotte en Rondeau from Partita III BWV 1006 by J. S. Bach. This was followed by Prokofiev’s Sonata No.1 played on the piano by Chee Sook Wan.
Christina Suresh played the Toccata in F, BuxWV 157 by Buxtehude on the organ. The church possesses a full-size (9-foot) Grotrian concert grand piano and a Renaissance series Allen electronic organ that is currently the largest of its kind in Singapore.
An interesting item followed: A harp ensemble consisting of students under the leadership of Wong Kae Chee played arrangements of “Dona Nobis Pacem” and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”.
The Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot, President of the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC), then led the offertory prayer.
We had a guest artiste, Alvaro Sanchez, from Columbia. His impressive display of fingers dancing over guitar frets wowed the audience into thunderous applause.
The Praise Choristers and the MSM Choir (Ladies) sang “The Lord is My Shepherd” and “Many Gifts, One Spirit”. They were led by Ms Gan and accompanied on the piano by Jessica Leong. Ms Leong was joined by soprano Leona Quek and violist Judy Tay in arrangements of “O Divine Redeemer” and “Exsultate, Jubilate”.
Dr Evelyn Lim, at the organ, accompanied the Bukit Panjang Methodist Church and MSM Choirs (conducted by Ms Gan) in the singing of “Worship God with Music” by Natalie Sleeth.
Bishop Dr Robert Solomon gave the benediction and the concert concluded with the energetic and lively “Finale” from Widor Organ Symphony No. 6 played on the organ by Melissa Goh.
Ong Te-Min, a member of Paya Lebar Methodist Church, also plays at Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church. He studies the organ at the MSM.
