Kunle Adelabu
The music compositions and compilations of Thomas Adams, ‘The Cross of Christ’, took the centre stage of The Choir of Excellence, Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral Choir, Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Church Cathedral, Ita – Elewa, Ikorodu’s 2023 Easter Cantata performance.
Congregants of the Cathedral Church, who had earlier had Easter thanksgiving service earlier during the special Sunday service on Sunday, April 16, 2023, returned to the Church auditorium to enjoy an evening of classical songs from the Choir of Excellence.
At this year’s Cantata which was themed, ‘The Cross of Christ’ by Thomas Adams, were the Lay President of the Church, Sir David Sunmoni, the Pro – Chancellor, Lagos State University, Sir (Chief) Engr. R. Olukayode Shoderu and his wife, President, Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Sir & Lady Oluwatosin Olaniyan, KCW, Secretary of Knights, Lagos Chapter, Sir Nimbe Apata, Dame Modupe Osinowo, Chief Ayo Shode and Sir & Lady Sunday Akintola.
Sir Soji Onafowokan, KCW, Apmc, Chairman, 2023 Easter Cantata Planning Committee, speaking on the purpose of the gathering, explained the concept of the Easter Cantata to dignitaries and members of the congregation.
He said that the Easter Cantata has its roots in the medieval Christian liturgy, when music was an essential part of Christian worship, and composers created music for various religious occasions, including the Easter season. According to him, the earliest known Easter cantata dated back to the 17th century.
He highlighted 14 significant features to Christendom from the condemnation of Jesus Christ to when he was placed in the sepulcher.
“Easter cantata is a musical composition that is performed during the Easter season. It is usually a choral piece that includes solo performances and instrumental accompaniment. The Easter cantata is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a significant part of the Christian liturgy during the Easter season”, he said.
“Stations of the cross also called way of the cross, a series of 14 events in the passion of Christ, from his condemnation by pontius pilate to his entombment. The series of stations is as follows(1) Jesus is condemned to death, (2) he is made to bear his cross, (3) he fails the first time, (4) he meets his mother, (5) Simon of Cyrene is made to bear the cross, (6), Veronica wipes face , (7) he falls the second time, (8) the women of Jerusalem weep over Jesus, (9) he falls the third time, (10) he is stripped of his garments, (11) he is nailed to the cross, (12) he dies on the cross, (13) he is taken down from the cross, and (14) he is placed in the sepulcher”.
Speaking on the significance of Easter Cantata, Onafowokan said that the annual festival of songs, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
“The Easter cantata is significant in the Christian faith because it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cantata uses music to express the joy and triumph of the resurrection, and it is often performed in churches during the Easter season”, he said.
“The cantata is also an important part of the Christian liturgy because it helps to create a sense of community and celebration among the congregation. Though, the Easter cantata are reminder of the hope and promise of eternal life that come with the resurrection of Jesus”, Sir Onafowokan added.
The special session was conducted by Dr Bimbo Shode, Choirmaster of the Cathedral Church, Engr. Segun Osineye, Cathedral Organist and Sir ‘Soji Onafowokan, KCW, Apmc, Chairman, Planning Committee.
Cantata hymns sung were: ‘Oh Lofty…. (sung by the congregation and choir)’, ‘Chorus- He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee’, ‘Solo (Soprano) and Chorus – God is faithful’, ‘Hymn- Be thou my Guardian (sung by the congregation and choir)’, ‘Recit (Bass) – Then was Jesus Led up of the Spirit’ and ‘Hymn- The Ministry of Angles (sung by congregation and choir).
Others were, ‘Hymn- “Lord, I see the lowly kneeling (sung by congregation and choir)’, ‘Recit (Bass)- Behold the Fire and the Wood’, ‘Duet (Soprano and Tenor) – God will Provide’, ‘Hymn- The Lamb of God – (sung by congregation and choir), ‘Solo (Tenor) – Behold the Lamb of God’, ‘Chorale- Lo, This is God’, ‘Chorus- We will be Glad and Rejoice’ and ‘Semi chorus – Come unto Me’.
Also sung at the special service were, ‘Hymn- In the Cross of Christ I Glory (sung by congregation and choir)’, ‘Soprano and Tenor Solo and Chorus – Nearer my God, to Thee’, ‘Hymn – The Paradise of God (sung by congregation and choir), and ‘Closing Hymn- Christ the Lord is Risen’.
Also in attendance were: Mr Seun Elesho, outgoing General Secretary, Ikorodu – Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Mr Tosin Mabunmi, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government and Mr Bola Mabunmi, a youth leader in Ikorodu, among others.
