The Tabernacles Choir Performs Classic Hymns at CSI Wesley Church, Clock Tower

The Tabernacles, one of India's oldest orchestra choirs, staged a devotional concert of classic gospel hymns at the CSI Wesley Church near Clock Tower. The performance brought together listeners across generations to revive traditional Christian hymnody and Western classical choral music. The ensemble, which has completed 59 years since its founding by the late Kenneth V Gibson, sought to revisit historic melodies familiar to many since childhood.

The programme commenced with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A brief address detailed the history of The Tabernacles, tracing how the musical group was formed and recounting its past performances across various parts of India. Organisers noted that the ensemble welcomes anyone interested in music and includes choir members representing different religious faiths.

Opening with a tribute to founder Kenneth V Gibson, the choir began its musical set with "Lacrimosa". The performance continued with well-known pieces including "Down to the River to Pray", "He Brought Me Out", and "My Saviour’s Love", with audience members joining the singing. The congregation also sang along in full voice during the rendition of "Softly and Tenderly".

Before the conclusion of the concert, prominent singer and pastor Allen Ganta made a surprise appearance. Ganta led the congregation in worship and performed the hymn "I Surrender All". The programme concluded with the singing of the Doxology, followed by a formal vote of thanks presented by a member of the choir team.

The event was conducted by the founder's son, Maestro Zubin Gibson, who addressed the importance of sustaining traditional choral repertoire. He stated, "At a time when traditional hymns are increasingly giving way to contemporary worship songs, The Tabernacles is consciously turning back to the treasures of the past, not to live in the past, but to ensure that the next generation knows what it is in danger of losing."

Gibson added, "These hymns carry stories of faith, hope, suffering, grace and redemption. They have been sung by generations before us, offering comfort in difficult seasons and expressing faith when words alone were not enough. The message is simple: if we stop singing the hymns, one day we may forget them. But if we revive them, teach them and sing them together, their message can live for generations to come."