Women lead church choirs
With Yuletide spirit catching up, women choir masters take forefront
As the festive spirit envelops the air, Christmas brings with it a symphony of music and choir performances, showcasing the remarkable talents of women who take centrestage in the twin cities.
Among these musical mavens are the celebrated lady choir masters and conductors, who amplify the season with their presentations.
Their prowess is on full display as they lead musical concerts, including the enchanting Carol Sundays, pre-christmas events, and festival services.
The audience and congregations are treated to unforgettable experiences, a testament to the tireless efforts of those involved who dedicate several days to perfecting their craft.
In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, some of the women choir masters shared their experiences and the inspiring journeys that led them to become conductors of choirs.
Charitha is immersed in orchestrating the tunes and voices of her 50-member team, gearing up for the Carol Sunday at Centenary Methodist English Church on Chapel Road.
Reflecting on her musical journey, Charitha recounted, "I took up music in 1988 while at Bombay Wesley Methodist Church, where I served as choir conductor. After relocating to Hyderabad in 2007, I established the Cadence School of Music and Arts at Banjara Hills. Five years ago, I was given the chance to conduct the choir at our church, known for its renditions of western classical choir pieces during the Christmas season."
Asked about her inspiration, Charitha names Commodore T.M.J. Champion, a retired Navy veteran and and Chief Minister awardee. "Without him, I wouldn't be conducting the choir today," she added.
Sukanya James serves as the choir master and organist at All Saints Church, Trimulgherry. Having covered a musical journey spanning 25 years and qualified in the violin and the piano from the Royal College of Music, London, and Trinity College of London, James said: "My father, Tito Jaipal, enchanted congregations with the pipe organ, and my mother was part of the choir. Growing up watching them inspired me to take up music. With my father's 40 years of experience as a choir master, I honed my skills."
In the Cantonment area of R.K. Puram, St Anthony Church in Gandhinagar is home to Justina James, a 22-yearold music enthusiast and choir conductor. Her musical journey began during her intermediate studies at St Francis College, Secunderabad.
"There was no representative from my college for the inter-collegiate music competition. I stepped forward, learned to play a carol on the piano in a span of one month, and won the first prize. I recognised the inner talent in me, encouraged by my father," James recounted.