The Singing Christmas Tree highlights Cayman Talent

By Christopher Tobutt

Every year Cayman’s very own Singing Christmas Tree lets everyone know that ‘A King is Coming to Town,’ which was this year’s theme. It was a good theme, to, because every year at Christmas time it is as if King Jesus always comes to town; and the mystery and wonder of it all overtakes our hearts. That mystery and wonder unfolded so beautifully through singing, dancing, drama and of course, the wonderful Singing Christmas Tree itself, for two days running at the Lions Centre, and everyone left with a new glimpse of heaven.

There was a pre-show, before members from the Singing Christmas Tree Choir; all covered in thousands of lights twinkling like the stars in a clear night sky, began their lovely singing. But the “pre-show” was really special in itself, and it featured many of Cayman’s most talented kids from different primary and secondary schools, as well as the Jubilate band, and the Cayman Arts Group who played Christmas carols with a selection of classical instruments such as violins and cellos. There was also the Melody Makers, a group of young children, each playing a little keyboard; and accompanied by some expert drumming for their rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy,” and a medley of other Christmas favorites.

Pastor Torrence Bobb, began by welcoming everyone. Later in the show, Pastor Bobb invited everyone to give their lives to King Jesus, and led everyone in a prayer. His wife, Elsa, choir director and musical producer, started the singing Christmas tree in 2011.

Throughout the evening, the Singing Christmas Tree choir sang a wide range of Christmas carols, beginning with the breathtaking Hark The Herald Angels medley, and many others too, including ‘This Child Was Born For You,’ ‘Oh Happy Day,’ and ‘He Will Reign.’ They were joined by Pastor Ferdinand Nicholls for ‘This Little Child,’ who also sang, ‘I bowed on my knees.’

There were performances from the UCCI Performing Arts group, who danced beautifully beneath the tree, with long flowing crimson robes and dresses, as well as a group from the Centre Point Dance Studio, who dance a dance of praise, all dressed in blue. The Cayman Folk Singers came on to sing ‘This Child Is,’ and it warmed everyone’s heart.

There was a special guest-appearance by classical singer, Gillian Seecharan Nancoo, who sang Mary Did You Know? and, Oh Holy Night. “A King is Coming to Town,” was sung by Andrew Ramdom, in his wonderful jazz-soul voice.

During the second night there was a big treat in store, because His Excellency The Governor came with his wife. He not only watched the show, but he took part as well, in a duet on the Steel Pan with Cayman’s very own steel pan maestro, Earl La Pierre.

There were several dramatic offerings, the first one was when Mary was told of the good news that she had been chosen to give birth to the Messiah, by an angel. Towards the end, there was a drama about going to heaven, with the Gates of Heaven, and angels, with beautiful golden wings. There was also a moving sequence where we saw Jesus, struggling to carry the cross, and stumbling, to remind us all the great price he paid to bring us peace with God, and the real reason for the season.