Choirs usher in the spirit of Christmas at MCC

CHENNAI: Overwhelmed would probably be the most appropriate word to describe the state of a first timer attending the annual MCC Alumni Christmas Concert. Set in the massive open ground of the MCC Higher Secondary School campus at Chetpet, the stage, on Monday, was decked with traditional green Christmas trees. With a slight nip in the air, and choir after choir creating harmonies in the silence of the night, one could only look around awestruck, and breathe it all in.The young voices of the MCC — School Choir — had members of the audience quite enthused with their peppy rendition of Rocking Around the Christmas Tree (Miley Cyrus). Even more memorable was their self-composed rap piece in between songs that got Santa sporting some snazzy eyewears and showing off a few dance moves on stage too! Other choirs were relatively more traditional in their performance. With the high calibre of the choral groups present, it is little wonder that this is one of the most anticipated concerts in December.Another highlight on stage was gospel a capella group, the Chariots. Although from Africa, this all-male ensemble studies at Pune and makes an appearance every year for this concert. New kids on the block, Organised Chaos, impressed the audience with their baritone-heavy a capella rendition of Let it Snow. The Octet Cantabile, a favourite with the audience, offered an experimental Jingle Bells to the whimsical ups and downs of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. No doubt, this was a first in Chennai.Perhaps the youngest and certainly most endearing choir on stage was Crochets and Quavers. Aged 3 to 14 years, these little ones won people over with their desi version of The Twelve Days of Christmas. With choices of gifts ranging from butter chicken to nosy in-laws. It was a riot, not to mention adorable.With black suits all round, the Canticles were the final performers of the night. Singing O Holy Night to perfection, this choir drew the evening to a close. And for those still waiting for the merry to kick in at Christmas time, their upbeat finale choice, Have Youself a Merry Little Christmas, served a jolly reminder of the tinsel and gifts to come.