Rwanda’s premier Catholic choir—Chorale de Kigali—on Saturday, June 21, staged a powerful performance at Kigali Universe during their inaugural “Voices in Harmony” concert. The concert, which celebrated the World Music Day, served as a special occasion for the choir to reflect the evolution of music back from the time before Christ to contemporary music. This musical celebration attracted various music enthusiasts including officials like French envoy to Rwanda, Antoine Anfré and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, among others. Chorale de Kigali took the stage at around 7:30pm with demonstrations of music evolution before Christ. They showcased some of the music produced during the time from 3000 years Before Christ (BC) till 100 years. The first part of the concert saw the choir perform music of the 3000s BC using a flute. They performed arguably the oldest song on their playlist which first played in Syria in 1400BC. They then performed songs which were produced 200 years before Christ using Pentatonix scales which is also still used in Rwanda today before showcasing Greek music made 100 years before Christ. The first part was followed by performance of choir’s own music in what looked like just the beginning of the concert. They owned the stage and the crowd couldn’t get enough of one experience. Their voices were amazing and perfectly executed every note. The performance was organized in form of a theatre that tells a story of music and they performed it with grace while the audience was in awe cheering for them. Jean Claude Hodari, President of the choir, highlighted how such a concert has been demanded by their fans for a long time. “We have had requests from fans to host another concert besides our usual Christmas Carols concert and World Music Day was the right time to host another concert mid-year as we also celebrate music,” he said. He emphasized on the choir members’ discipline and commitment to make time for the choir and improve skills in music, as a key factor in staging successful concerts and delivering great performances along the way. Among the five parts that made the concert were music from before Christ, music after Christ, Classical era, Romantic era and contemporary music. Some of the songs that had the audience get on their feet were ‘Turate u Rwanda’, ‘Chiquitita’, ‘Tiritomba’, ‘Funiculi Funicula’ and the UEFA Champions League anthem, among others. Founded in 1966 by 20 members, most of whom were seminary-trained musicians, Chorale de Kigali is considered the country’s oldest Catholic choir. Among its founding members were Claver Karangwa, Leon Mbarushimana, Callixte Kalisa, Paulin Muswahili, and Saulve Iyamuremye. Today, the choir comprises of more than 150 members, with 60 percent of them being young people. Their unique sound has earned them opportunities to perform at major concerts, take part in religious festivals, and contribute original compositions to various liturgical and cultural music bodies.
