There is space for hope, joy and celebration

There is space for hope, joy and celebration By Millicent Sibanda The familiar sound of Christmas carols filled the Cathedral of St Michael and St George on 2 October, offering a moment of warmth and celebration in a university community that had experienced a difficult and unsettled period. As Rhodes University navigated protests and tensions on campus, the Christmas concert offered something different, an opportunity to pause, come together, and be reminded of joy, hope, and the meaning of Christmas. The concert brought together the Rhodes University Chamber Choir, the Makana Community Orchestra, student performers, and guest soloists for an evening centred on the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The concert was more than a collection of Christmas songs. It took the audience on a journey through the Christmas story, with each performance forming part of a larger narrative. Rather than simply introducing each song, the narrator, Mbalentle Mpotulo, guided the audience through the events leading to the birth of Jesus. A passage would explain a particular moment in the story, followed by a musical performance that brought that moment to life. The story began with the announcement of the birth of Jesus, taking the audience through the Angel Gabriel’s message to Mary, Mary’s response, the journey towards Bethlehem, and ultimately, the birth of Jesus. With every stage accompanied by its own musical performance, the concert allowed the audience to experience the Christmas story progressively. The narration created a sense of anticipation as one chapter ended and another began, making the performances feel connected rather than separate. The music was brought to life by the combined sounds of the Rhodes University Chamber Choir and the Makana Community Orchestra, with students and guest soloists adding their voices to the production. Among the featured guest soloists were Quatro Mgogo, Oyama Vena, and  Devon Florence, all tenors. Their performances formed part of an evening that brought together different performers and musical experiences in celebration of Christmas. At the centre of the musical production was conductor  Sibusiso Njeza, who led the performers throughout the concert. His direction helped bring together the choir, orchestra, soloists, and student performers into one coordinated performance. “It is such a privilege, you know, to lead such talented musicians; they are a lot of amazing musicians, from students to professionals. It was such an honour; it’s my highlight for the year,” said Njeza as he expressed how the involvement of students alongside professional community performers brought about the Christmas spirit of coming together, which was the core purpose of the concert. “I feel like the Lord’s Prayer is such a fundamental prayer for everyone, and for me personally it carries so much significance,” said Mihle Njovane, who was also a performer in the show, For guest performer Mgogo, the concert also provided an opportunity to reflect on what Christmas means beyond the music and decorations associated with the season. “Christmas for me means the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ with your loved ones and singing as part of the choir here was part of that kind of celebration for me, and of course, with music it just brings that joy, especially when you are performing with such talented people.” The evening demonstrated the power of music to create a shared experience. Through the combination of narration, choir, orchestra, soloists, and student performers, the audience was not simply watching a concert; they were being taken through a story. And in a university community that had recently been surrounded by uncertainty, this concert offered a timely reminder that there is also space for joy, hope, and celebration.