The Tabernacle Choir Performs Classic Hymns at CSI Wesley Church in Secunderabad

The Tabernacle, a 59-year-old city-based choir from Hyderabad, presented a concert reviving forgotten Christian hymns and songs considered classics at CSI Wesley Church, located near the Clock Tower in Secunderabad.

The event, organized under the theme "An Evening of Hymns – Reviving a Rich Musical Heritage," featured the grand choir performing alongside a 20-piece chamber orchestra. The collaborative presentation marked a rare combination in contemporary church concerts in Hyderabad, bringing together choral vocalists and orchestral instrumentalists.

The musical repertoire for the concert featured several timeless hymns. The selections performed by the ensemble included "Down to the River to Pray," "He Brought Me Out," "My Saviour’s Love," "Higher Ground," "On Eagle’s Wings," "Softly and Tenderly," and "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."

The 20-piece chamber orchestra provided a rich classical dimension to the proceedings, blending musical heritage, orchestral arrangements, choral singing, and worship throughout the programme.

Founded by Kenneth V Gibson, the choir dedicated a portion of the concert to honor its founder. The group paid tribute to Kenneth V Gibson with a performance of Mozart’s "Lacrimosa."

Speaking on the purpose of the concert and the choir's mission, choir conductor Zubin Gibson stated that traditional music is losing space in modern worship settings.

"At a time when many traditional hymns are slowly disappearing from church worship, replaced by contemporary songs, The Tabernacle is making a conscious effort to revive and preserve the great hymns of the Christian faith," Zubin Gibson said.

He further noted the deeper importance embedded within traditional hymnody and its role in passing down history to newer generations.

"These hymns are more than songs; they carry history, theology, testimony and generations of faith," he said. "Through choral music, The Tabernacle hopes to introduce this rich heritage to younger generations and encourage churches to keep these musical treasures alive."