Calabar-Choir
Calabar Choir and Orchestra2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.On May 27th, 2023, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria held a multi-Stake musical concert featuring a choir and orchestra comprised of members of the Calabar, Calabar North, and Calabar South Stakes. The theme of the concert was “Lux Aeterna”, which means eternal light. The focus of the event was to celebrate the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to minister for Him through music and spoken word. The rich traditions of the Calabar area were also honored as part of the performance.
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The event was held at the MCC ward chapel in Calabar and hosted by Bishop Castro Ezama, the SSA to the State Governor of Cross River State. The performance was directed by Brother Lawrence Okon and featured performances by the orchestra and choir as well as many solos and duets from choir members.
Members of the Church across the three Stakes in Calabar attended the concert with their friends and neighbours. 545 people were in attendance. They witnessed a performance that reflected the talents and great sacrifices of the local performers.
The crowning moment of the event was the choreography and medley honoring the rich traditions of the Efik people and culture of the Cross River State in Nigeria. Many audience members were moved by the celebration of their ancestors and traditions.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally established in Calabar, Cross River State, in 1979. The early members of the Church in Calabar provided a solid foundation for the growth of the Church in Nigeria, and all West Africa. Church members recently celebrated the 31st anniversary of the first Church meetinghouse built in Calabar.
At the conclusion of the concert, President Akwaowo Joseph Ekong of the Calabar Nigeria North Stake, thanked all the members of the choir and orchestra, as well as those who helped to organize and present the event. He noted the great sacrifices of time required to make this event successful. He also promised an even bigger event at Christmas to celebrate “Light the World.” This performance will feature a choir that includes members of all religious denominations.