With today’s commemoration of the feast of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem, December 28th, 2007, the voices of the young innocent children of the Catholic Schools of Jerusalem rose in praise, singing Christmas Carols that they themselves composed.
These compositions were submitted for a competition organized by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s Center of Catechism Education. The aim of the competition, as Sr. Virginie stated in her words of introduction, is to encourage children to use their talents in music to produce their own compositions, thereby enhancing their musical and lyrical talents.
In the Jury were: Fr. Armando Pierrucci, the founder of the Magnificat Institute in Jerusalem and whose history of compositions is full of great works. He is also the main organist of the Holy Sepulchre; Fr. Najib Ibrahim, the producer and editor of the Arabic magazine Peace and Goodwill, “Asalam wal Kheir”, that is issued monthly by the Custody of the Holy Land; and Mrs. Hania Sabbara, who is the director of the Magnificat Musical Institute and the conductor of both the Choir of the Custody of the Holy Land and the children’s “Jasmin” choir.
Points were awarded in three different categories, the first being lyrics. Terra Sancta Boys School won first place for their carol Nativity, in which the trees bow down to a path leading to peace, while the lights tell of compassion and love. Second place was given to the Schmidt’s School for their song “The day of your Birth”. Third place was given to all the schools together for their efforts and their creativity.
Music and performance were combined and made up one of the categories, which was sub-divided into compositions inspired by other Christmas carols. Schmidt’s School won first place for their song, which was inspired by “Rudolf the red-nose Reindeer”. Second place went to the Sister of the Pillar School for their song that was inspired by “Jingle Bells”.
First place for the self-composed songs was won by the Freres Boys School, located at the New Gate, while Second place was given to the Freres Boys School in Beit Hanina for their songs, both of which were titled “The Babe of Nativity”.
Third place was given to Saint Joseph’s School for their song “Baby of the Manger” which was written, composed, and conducted by tenth grade girls, but designed to be sung by the fifth grade.
The ceremony ended with prizes given to every school, as well as each and every participant, wishing all a blessed and happy New Year 2008.
DK
These compositions were submitted for a competition organized by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s Center of Catechism Education. The aim of the competition, as Sr. Virginie stated in her words of introduction, is to encourage children to use their talents in music to produce their own compositions, thereby enhancing their musical and lyrical talents.
In the Jury were: Fr. Armando Pierrucci, the founder of the Magnificat Institute in Jerusalem and whose history of compositions is full of great works. He is also the main organist of the Holy Sepulchre; Fr. Najib Ibrahim, the producer and editor of the Arabic magazine Peace and Goodwill, “Asalam wal Kheir”, that is issued monthly by the Custody of the Holy Land; and Mrs. Hania Sabbara, who is the director of the Magnificat Musical Institute and the conductor of both the Choir of the Custody of the Holy Land and the children’s “Jasmin” choir.
Points were awarded in three different categories, the first being lyrics. Terra Sancta Boys School won first place for their carol Nativity, in which the trees bow down to a path leading to peace, while the lights tell of compassion and love. Second place was given to the Schmidt’s School for their song “The day of your Birth”. Third place was given to all the schools together for their efforts and their creativity.
Music and performance were combined and made up one of the categories, which was sub-divided into compositions inspired by other Christmas carols. Schmidt’s School won first place for their song, which was inspired by “Rudolf the red-nose Reindeer”. Second place went to the Sister of the Pillar School for their song that was inspired by “Jingle Bells”.
First place for the self-composed songs was won by the Freres Boys School, located at the New Gate, while Second place was given to the Freres Boys School in Beit Hanina for their songs, both of which were titled “The Babe of Nativity”.
Third place was given to Saint Joseph’s School for their song “Baby of the Manger” which was written, composed, and conducted by tenth grade girls, but designed to be sung by the fifth grade.
The ceremony ended with prizes given to every school, as well as each and every participant, wishing all a blessed and happy New Year 2008.
DK