The moment we’d been waiting for, Sunday, October 8, 2006, was an evening to be forever remembered. The D’Abadie Community held its fund-raising concert at the Church of Holy Spirit, Malabar. Long before 6.00 p.m., the church was filled with an overwhelming sense of anxiety and expectation, as one of the most renowned choirs in the country graced us with their presence and performance.

Under the directorship of Pat Bishop, the Lydian Singers greatly gave of their time and musical talent to our communities. Beautifully dressed in their gowns they began with classical followed by spiritual renditions. Our evening was turning out to be a dynamic and heart rendering one. It got even more exciting and intense when the soloist performed the Lord’s Prayer, among other renditions.

Lydians at the D'Abadie church

During the intermission snack boxes and drinks were served to the audience as we eagerly awaited the return of the Lydians. They reappeared dressed with white gloves, to perform a choreographed Negro spiritual, which captivated and moved the audience.

A duet All I ask of you excited the audience as the lovers in the song were well portrayed. Approaching the end of the evening, a well known folk song Mangoes had everyone tapping their feet, shaking their heads, swaying their shoulders and ready to jump from their seats. The wonderful evening ended with Handel’s Alleluia Chorus as the singers received a standing ovation and were clapped off stage.

Parish priest, Fr Mc Lawrence, presented Ms Bishop with a beautiful fruit basket. Tokens of appreciation and gratitude were also presented to other members of the choir. Ecoutez La Belle Musique – listen to the beautiful music - is what we surely did at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Malabar.

 It was indeed an evening to be forever remembered.  Fr Mc Lawrence and the D’Abadie community offer its most heartfelt thanks to Pat Bishop and The Lydian Singers who made this concert a resounding success.