The festive season got off to a flying start on 1 December with an Advent Choral Concert held at the magnificent Igreja de Santa Maria church in the heart of Lagos.
WORDS Liz Ryan
Raising funds for NECI were members of Choir Cantus Nortada, more fondly known as the Swedish Choir.
Directed by the very talented Birgitta Levick, the 30-strong choir sang their hearts out to a packed church where the acoustics were heavenly and the flickering candles added to the festive atmosphere.
It was a joyous repertoire expertly chosen by Birgitta, with a sprinkling of traditional classics and contemporary popular favourites interspersed with a little gospel and a couple of Sweden’s best-known Christmas songs. They gave such an outstanding performance that they had the congregation clapping and on their feet throughout. The finale was Handel’s Hallelujah which showcased the magical, strong voices of the full choir as they belted it out and had everyone join in. The church was alive with the sound of music and rapturous applause.
The evening was a wonderful success and raised over 1.300€ for NECI, a non-profit organisation which helps the most vulnerable in our community, children and adults with physical and mental disabilities, at their centre based in Praia da Luz.
The choir rehearses on Monday mornings at Club Luzense Cultural Centre in Praia da Luz. There are plans for spring concerts, consisting of a programme of songs from popular movies and musicals. Anyone who is interested in joining the choir should contact the choir’s administrator Annika Nyqvist.
