A fundraiser for Jago Art Centre

The combined choir of Cantemus and Morning Sky perform Christmas songs

And it's all in a good cause. This year, the proceeds from the Christmas concert will go to the Jago Art Centre. The Centre aims to maintain and expand the art form of dance in Bangladesh and to popularise dance--primarily within the low-middle income groups.

An inkling of Jago Art Centre's success is that many of its graduates have become renowned dancers and represent Bangladesh at various cultural events both nationally and internationally, while others have established their dance schools.

The Christmas concert had early English songs, from the 14th century to the 21st century. At the performance, Cantemus and Morning Sky joined hands with a variety of favourite songs such as Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen (in the Proclamation section) and For the Beauty of the Earth (Nativity section).

The soloists too turned in a good show. The guest soloists were Saad Chowdhury (piano) and Tiahna Warkentin (vocals). Other performers who won attention were Jill Chowdhury (soprano and director of Morning Sky), Teri Khan (soprano and music teacher at the American International School/ Dhaka), Laura Watson (alto) and David Snowdon (trumpet).

After the show, one caught up with the directors of the organisations. Said Dawne Warkentin, the Canadian director of Cantemus, "The audience responded warmly and graciously to our singing." Likewise, an elated Jill Chowdhury said, "The one hour-show was very lovely, friendly and evoked the Christmas spirit."

Both Dawne and Jill are unequivocal about the commonality of their interests: "To create harmony within the community, spread the joy of singing and generate friendships cutting across languages and nations."

Though not in the spotlight after the concert, the members of the two groups can continue to pursue their passion for music at their weekly get togethers.