General Manager’s Message It is December once more, where did the time go? We are now well into the season of Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”). For most Christian believers this is a period of preparation for the coming of the Saviour. It is safe to say with the events of this year, Advent and Christmas for many of us may have a deeper meaning and significance with all that we have endured and adapted to, as we continue to live with this pandemic. One thing that has held us Lydians together through this turmoil is the music that we share. “We recognise that music is a gift and that the ability to perform it is a grace” – excerpt f rom The Lydian Singers Mission statement This music, indeed a gift that we are grateful and privileged to be a part of, is more than just an outlet, it is the foundation of our community, our family. It has been a binding agent and needed support to many of our members in their time of need over the last ten months. “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” ― Anne Frank It should come as no surprise that we would want to share our “candle,” this simple but powerful symbol of hope with you, even though not in our traditional way. 2020 has been filled with many challenges that each of us have had to deal with – loss, displacement, fear, loneliness - these events weigh down on us in unique ways. However, we were also able to show and see the beauty and strength of humanity through the acts – love, caring, and giving, performed for our fellow men. Isn’t this what the Christmas spirit is all about?
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When the effects of the pandemic brought an immediate halt to our activities, we were caught off guard, and then the reality set in that this was not going to be a short “vacation”. So, how do we continue? The members, through the herculean efforts of Mr Carl-Anthony Hines (our newly appointed Musical Director), were kept engaged and connected virtually utilising the technology available to us. The inability to meet in large numbers was always going to be a major hindrance to any possible presentation that we would do for the rest of the year. In August, we premiered our first virtual choir effort “Requiem” by E. Gilkyson arranged by C. H. Johnson which also included members of The Lydian Steel on the steelpan, a first to our knowledge for voices and steel (see it on our YouTube Channel). As difficult as it is for a community chorus of our size and demographic, the virtual choir model gave us the best chance to allow as many of the members willing to try, the opportunity to be part of the music-making. We are extremely fortunate to have as part of our organisation The Lydian Steel, an ensemble of talented musicians mirroring the broad demographic of our chorale, primed to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Given the COVID-19 restrictions and the risks associated with singing in large groups, it was logical that we look to the very competent and skilled hands (and voices dare I say… you will see!) of our steel players to lead the charge for Christmas 2020.
