Cayman Islands all male choir put on an amazing graceful Easter performance

Georgina Wilcox

On Good Friday the Cayman Male Voice Choir put on their annual Easter concert entitled “Amazing Grace” at Elmslie Memorial United Church in front of a large and appreciative audience.

It was indeed an amazing and graceful performance with the first half consisting of many separate artists mainly from the choir with some guests. Young Aiden Connolly and Mr Wardley performed a duet singing “Four Days Late” that was followed by centurion Mr Howell who, even at such an advanced age, can still blow a good tune on his saxophone.

We had two harmonica solos, one from Mr McDorm and the other from choir member McCleary Frederick. The glorious voice of choir member Rudy Myles brought me almost to tears with his moving rendition of “The Holy City”.

A lot of us were waiting for the musical saw and performer Ken Melville did not disappoint us. In fact, to me, I thought this was his best performance. “For All My Sins” could have been written for the saw because the wailing cry that comes from the ‘instrument’ was just perfect for the soulful melody.

At the mid point of the concert the immensely talented Antonio Sanchez performed a classical piano piece that could have equally been executed at a famous concert hall in front of dinner suited males and gowned ladies.

Finally it was time for the “Amazing Grace” cantata and the choir excelled. Mr Melville is not only a saw player and a singer but he has a great voice too and carried out a moving narration. Choir conductor Ernest Bodden also performed some of the solo pieces.

Like a good wine the Male Voice Choir seem to improve with age and I have had the privilege to hear the choir for over thirty years. Some of those members I heard then are still present now. That is true dedication.

The Cayman Male Voice Choir does not get the kudos or the publicity of the Cayman National Choir and that is a pity. I must thank Radio Cayman for broadcasting the performance live.

The choir was well backed up by Noel Wallace on piano and Denver Bloomfield on organ. Having watched and listened to Mr Bloomfield at three other events during the week I am amazed where he finds the time. The same can be said of Mr Wallace, too.

Pr. John MacMillan was Master of Ceremonies.

Thank you choir and everyone involved. It is certainly part of my Easter blessing.