Rwanda’s famous catholic choir, Chorale de Kigali, is all set to headline their highly-anticipated routine Christmas Carols concert slated December 17, at BK Arena. The eagerly awaited event that traditionally marks the beginning of Christmas celebrations for Christians in Kigali. Founded in 1966, the Kigali-based Chorale de Kigali is arguably the oldest Catholic choir in Rwanda. It was founded by a group of 20 people, most of whom were music graduates from seminary schools at the time of its foundation. With at least one hundred active members currently, the choir gearing up to host the concert strictly attends rehearsals three times a week to prepare for the Christmas Carols. During their rehearsals, The NewTimes paid them a visit and interacted with the talented choir. Valentin Bigango, a leader at Chorale de Kigali revealed that this year’s concert will be different from others because it is the 10th year celebration of the Christmas Carols concert. He added that at the concert, young children will be back to perform after some years without being seen at the concert. Fans were given a chance to vote for three songs that the choir will add on their playlist. The three songs which garnered the most votes were the ‘Champions league anthem’, ‘Chiquitita’ and ‘Bound for the promised land’. In the video, singers Belyse Ishimwe and Isaac Gatashya shared a sneak peak of what to expect at the concert and their experiences since joining the choir. Some of the choir’s key founders include Claver Karangwa, Leon Mbarushimana, Callixte Kalisa, Paulin Muswahili, and Saulve Iyamuremye. The choir is currently made up of over 150 members, among whom 60 percent are young people. Chorale de Kigali has established itself as an undisputed music choir in the Catholic Church, and their uniqueness has given them an honor to perform at big concerts and participate in different religious festivals as well as compose lyrics for different musical bodies. Entrance for the concert goes from Rwf 5,000 for the regular section, Rwf10,000 for Premium, Rwf25,000 for the VIP, and Rwf50, 000 for VVIPs.
