Pune choirs ring in Yuletide spirit with messages of love, hope, peace and joy

Pune: Choirs from St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Xavier's Church, and other prominent groups are blending traditional Christmas carols with contemporary arrangements, reflecting the city's cultural diversity and creative spirit.

From children to adults, dedicated carollers are gathering for month-long weekend rehearsals, balancing their busy schedules with love for music and festive season.

Candice Pandit, a teacher at St. Vincent's School and a fellow of University of West London in speech and drama, said, "The school hosted its own nativity play and choir, featuring 70 talented children. This year, the programme focused on themes of love, hope, peace, and joy. Rehearsals began right after Diwali break, culminating in a heartwarming performance on Dec 19." Additionally, a group of 11 children from the school will present another nativity performance at St. Xavier's Church just before the midnight mass, adding to the festive atmosphere.

"At St. Xavier's Church, we will have a choir with members on Dec 24. We only rehearse during weekends because everyone has work and hectic schedules. But during this time of the year, we don't mind coming for weekend practices," she said.

From timeless melodies like Silent Night, Little Town of Bethlehem, Angels We Have Heard On High —Gloria In Excelsis Deo, Away In A Manger, We Three Kings to newer inclusions like One Still Night, What Can I Give Him – Shepherd's Song, choirs across the city have introduced fresh songs to their repertoire, appealing to modern audiences while preserving the charm of traditional carols.

Evelyn Williams, a member of St. Patrick's choir, said: "We will be singing traditional carols and some modern ones with a message. There will be Hindi commentary between carols to make them accessible to all. While the theme remains the birth of Christ, the message is one of peace. We've been rehearsing for a few months now."

At St. Xavier's Church, choir members balance their busy schedules with weekend rehearsals. "We only rehearse on weekends because everyone has hectic schedules. But during this time of year, we're happy to make time for practices," said Evelyn Williams.

Father Simon D'Souza of St. Patrick's Cathedral recounted the month-long festivities, "We began with carol singing in various neighbourhoods and a live tableau touring Parish region around the church. On Dec 22, we organized Christmas carol singing across different areas, followed by vibrant Christmas Bazaar in the evening. The bazaar brought the community together, with people showcasing and selling homemade dishes. There were also carol singing competitions that added to the festive spirit."

"On Dec 24, the celebrations will culminate with a carol service at 10 PM. A congregation of around 4,000 people is expected. The service will feature Hindi commentary and narration during carols to ensure everyone, including non-English speakers, can fully participate. On Dec 25 morning, the first prayer service will be conducted in Hindi," he added.

Christmas concerts organized in Pune are also set to spread festive cheer. "We are hosting two bands this year -- The Joseph Brothers from Bangalore and the Major Misfits from Chennai — who will be performing on the evening of Dec 24 at Symbiosis in Vimannagar. While the focus is on contemporary styles, the essence remains on Christian music, creating a deeper connection with younger generation," said Prasad Gunbote, a member of Zealous Church.



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