Mention the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ, or the Peter Low Choir, as it is affectionately called by some, and a choir with an illustrious history will come to mind. It has not only been known to enhance Mass celebrations with its beautiful voices, but also as the choir that has sung for Pope John Paul II.

Such is the renown of the choir and its God-fearing choirmaster, Sir Peter Low, who served at our parish for a good 30 years till 2002. On May 20, they returned to perform in a concert, the third in a series of five held at various churches that have contributed to Sir Peter's musical formation. The Five Golden Evenings are held "in thanksgiving for his fifty years of service in song".

In the choir's Third Evening of Praise, parishioners and others present were treated to a large repertoire of songs that the choir used to sing during its time at Risen Christ. The repertoire included Laudate Dominum (Praise the Lord) and Round the Lord in Glory Seated, both of which used to be sung at the Sunday 10.30am Mass.

Split into several segments, the concert was a look back at the past for Sir Peter and for many in the audience. He shared memories of being at Church of the Risen Christ, describing how he had started and worked with the children's choir here in the 1970s, and how the junior and senior choirs grew from strength to strength over the years. "My choir and I really miss singing in this parish," he said. Among the many tidbits shared included the choir's progression from just one sheet of hymns to books of three hundred and the children's choir's trip to Wales (first ever for any parish children's choir).

The choir also paid tribute to the significant people in Sir Peter's life and choral ministry who have passed on-- his parents, of whom "I am who I am because of them"; Father Pierre Abrial, who built the parish; Father Pierre Barthoulot, who taught him conducting; and Father Jean Bourcart, who had served in Risen Christ for many years. In remembrance of them, the Choir sang Psalms 50 and 22, the latter dedicated to Father Barthoulot.

Henry Jansen, a parishioner whose daughter used to be in the choir, said, "I'm very glad that I came. It brought back a lot of memories of the old days. I really enjoyed the concert." Another parishioner, Vincent Especkerman commented, "The Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ is an heirloom of the Singapore Archdiocese and of the Catholic Church. I thought it was a gracious gesture on the part of Sir Peter Low to return to the parishes that nourished and supported his career in the music ministry, especially during his formative years."

"The songs were beautiful. The readings inserted at different parts were a really nice touch, helping to set the mood for the songs and connecting them together," said Charlotte Tan, 21, another parishioner. 5 Bible passages were read out during the concert; 4 reflected the praise of God through song while one spoke of the central message of the Christian faith in the Passion.

At the request of the parish priest, love offerings collected during the concert went towards helping the FMDM sisters in their ministry to the suffering. Speaking to the Risen Christ Media Team after the concert, Sir Peter said, "We can always use music for a good purpose. Tonight we raised funds."

"I also hope to inspire young people to contribute to the Church with their talents," he said, adding that many of them do well in school choirs and should consider joining the parish choirs, to give to the Church.

Father Paul Yeo, who also used to serve at Risen Christ, was also invited to the concert to give a blessing. He puts it aptly for any observer when he said, "Peter Low's choir is a Catholic icon. He is a servant of God - his choir is trained with reverence. I salute you!"

And so did members of the audience, who gave a standing ovation as Sir Peter and his choir proceeded out of the church at the end of the concert.