The illuminated Christmas trees at Pan Africa Shopping Centre told a story of a season fast approaching, but the voices of opera performers at St Hubert’s Catholic Church told a story of a season already here.

Their voices, carrying faith and joy, turned an ordinary night on December 13 into an unforgettable experience of classical music in Alexandra.

Read more: Alexandra residents enjoy a night of classical music

The programme, called the Night of Stars, filled the church with festive cheer and spirit. It opened with Were You There, a piece by Harry T. Burleigh that reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, followed by How Beautiful Are Thy Feet, a meditation on Good Friday, among other songs. Together, the pieces told a story of Christianity, of Christmas and of healing, according to organiser Vincent Shibambu.

Reflecting on why they called the event The Night of Stars, he said it aligns with the Christmas carol Stars of Wonder.

“It is in line with Christmas — the Christmas song Stars of Wonder. We are the stars of wonder. No one knows us, but we are here, saying we exist within this classified toxic environment,” Shibambu said.

He said Alexandra is often spoken of as a place of darkness and poverty. Yet, on that night, music revealed the stars hidden within that darkness. “There is a lot of light in the darkness, and music has brought that light,” he added.

Also read: Alexandra Field Band shapes futures through music

The evening was also about nurturing talent. Queen Mkhwanazi, a young classical singer, was given the stage, guided from her first rehearsals to the moment she stood alongside professionals. “We’ve been giving her guidance from the first rehearsals till being on stage today. So, yeah, we are providing that platform for her to showcase what she has and to grow and nurture talent.”

He emphasised that Alexandra’s youth is not defined by existing limitations but by possibilities. “We are here to show other people who are aspiring to do this, to say that there is life in music. It doesn’t mean that if you’re not a piano singer or mascandi, you cannot belong. Music is broad,” Shibambu explained.

Shibambu said their work is also about giving guidance to aspiring artists and becoming the light in the darkness, ensuring that broken homes and weary hearts can find healing in harmony.

He further emphasised that the Night of Stars was Alexandra’s Christmas story told through music, showing that even in places spoken of as dark, there is always light.

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