The San Ginés Polyphonic Choir celebrated its traditional 'Christmas Concert' last Saturday at 8:00 PM in the main church of San Ginés Obispo, in Arrecife. A setting full of symbolism, as it was in this church that the choir took its first steps as the 'Parish Choir,' under the direction of Professor Braulio de León Navarro, and where, in 1973, it was officially established as the Polyphonic Choir.
The concert was presided over by the parish priest of San Ginés, Juan Carlos Medina, and was attended by a large audience who supported the choir members and enjoyed what many described as a true "Luxury Concert." Directed by professor Elías Roldán, accompanied on the piano by professor Javier Díaz, and with the special performance of professor Mercedes Villarino, who added the delicacy and solemnity of the harp to several of the interpretations.
With a careful staging, the choristers positioned themselves in the central nave of the temple, taking advantage of an acoustics that enhanced each of the compositions with clarity and sonority. The audience responded to each performance with prolonged and warm applause, recognizing the artistic quality and the ensemble's dedication.
Director Elías Roldán, an expert in choral repertoire, took care of the smallest details, enriching the concert's development with brief and didactic explanations before each piece, which allowed the audience to enjoy each performance even more.
As is customary during these Christmas dates, lovers of choral singing did not want to miss this anticipated event. The program included a wide repertoire of traditional carols: Adeste Fideles, Faroles de Pascuas, Un canto de Alcaraván, La Peregrina, among others. The concert concluded with an emotional encore, at the audience's request, with the performance of "The First Nowel."
One more year, the San Ginés Polyphonic Choral Association knew how to bring the light and spirit of Christmas to the main church of San Ginés Obispo, leaving an indelible mark on all attendees.
