By Serene Serhan
Despite various difficulties including a minimal audience, the Swedish Helsignborg Chamber Choir prevailed on the first day of two performances at the Artimes Theater in Jerash.
An audience of only 20 watched an equal number of choristers perform in both their mother tongue and English. The performance was heavenly.
The majestic voices of three tenors, five basses, six sopranos and six soloists soared into space, flowing rhythmically around the columns of the historical site.
Meanwhile, although the presence of a balcony in the Artimes Theater makes it difficult for the choir to project their voices, the show went on.
Even the heat, to which the Swedes are not accustomed, did not stop them from singing.
The group sang works by Hahn, Grieg, Muller, Schultz and many others including an impeccable rendition of Thomas Jennefelt's 1954 "Warning to the Rich."
Meanwhile, regardless of the problems, the group's conductor, Suerker Zadig said that he would "love to perform in Jerash again."
"It is a magical place," he said, "even if the balcony in the theater is a bit of a problem."
The audience, however, did not notice problem's effect on the group's performance.
"I think their voices are beautiful," said one Jordanian, Salman El Zubi, "I cannot explain how I feel when they sing in words, it is just not possible."
Marie Torngren, from Sweden, said that "although it is a difficult stage, the group did very well."
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
