The Kingston College (KC) Chapel Choir Annual Christmas Concert is a cherished tradition, celebrated for many years. Founded by the late Bishop Percival Gibson to develop educated gentlemen, the now 77-year-old choir has grown into one of Jamaica’s most renowned school choirs, known for its impressive repertoire and high standards. The choir’s standard of excellence was cemented when it became the first choir in the Caribbean to be a member of the Royal School of Church Music, (RSCM) in 1973 and first choir in the Caribbean to be elevated to the guild of St. Nicolas in 1974.
The Early Years
Since its inception in 1947, the annual Christmas concerts have become a staple event, celebrated by both the school and the wider community. These concerts showcase excellence in musical talent during the festive season, featuring traditional Christmas carols and hymns, often accompanied by a modest orchestra, known for their high spiritual and musical precision.
The 1960s and Community Impact
In the 1960s, the choir grew in popularity, and the Christmas concerts became highly anticipated events in Kingston. Attendance at the Christmas concerts was considered a social duty immediately following Jamaica’s independence. These concerts played a significant role in fostering community spirit and unity, bringing together students, alumni, and residents, and creating a sense of shared pride and tradition. The success of these concerts inspired other schools in Kingston and across Jamaica to develop their own music programs, annual events, and seasonal music.
Growth and Expansion of a Premier School Choir
Over the years, the Christmas concerts began to draw larger audiences, showcasing the choristers’ hard work and Bishop Gibson’s vision for the school. In the 1980s, the choir expanded its reach with overseas tours to destinations like the Cayman Islands, New York, and Miami. By the 1990s and 2000s, the choir was averaging 45 performances per year, with the annual Christmas concert being the highlight of the season.
The choir has achieved remarkable success in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams, having consistently passed these prestigious exams with distinctions at both the intermediate and advanced levels. The ABRSM exams have a long history in Jamaica, dating back to 1907 when they were first introduced in the West Indies. The choir continues to enjoy another groundbreaking achievement as the first school choir in Jamaica to sit the ABRSM Choral exams which marks a milestone in the nation's musical heritage. This accomplishment underscores the choir's exceptional talent and dedication to musical excellence, further solidifying its reputation as a premier school choir, in Jamaica and regionally.
Recent Milestones
The choir’s receipt of the Musgrave Medal Silver Award in 2018 marked a monumental achievement celebrating an exceptional contribution to the arts in Jamaica and withing the Western Hemisphere. Bestowed by the Institute of Jamaica, this prestigious recognition in the Arts category underscores the choir's dedication to preserving and promoting choral music, significantly enriching Jamaica's cultural heritage.
While the award acknowledges the choir's long-standing tradition of excellence, it also illuminates and spotlights the choir’s efforts in nurturing musical talent and fostering a community-wide love for choral singing, serving as an inspiration for future generations and highlights the profound importance of the arts in the Jamaican society.
In 2022, the choir celebrated a major milestone, its 75th anniversary with a special concert held at the UWI Chapel, Mona. In April 2024, the KC Chapel Choir renewed its membership with the RSCM, highlighting the choir's commitment to maintaining high standards in choral music training and performance as well as its dedication to musical excellence.
In May 2024, the choir earned the prestigious RJRGleaner Honour 2023 Award for their unparalleled contribution to Jamaica's arts and culture. This accolade is more than just a testament to its musical prowess, it is a recognition of a profound impact on the community. The award celebrates the choir's extraordinary achievements and underscored its pivotal role in uniting people through the universal language of music.
Christmas 2024 Gala, Ode to the Centennial Anniversary
The Choir will stage its 2024 annual Christmas Concert at St. Augustine's Chapel, Clovelly Park, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Kingston College. The Gala event will take place on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 5:00 pm, with cocktails at 4:15 pm on the lawns of St. Augustine Chapel at 2a North Street. The concert will feature a selection of seasonal music, including traditional carols and a major classical work, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Mass in C major, K. 259 'Organ Solo'," performed by the talented choristers and guest soloists, a mini orchestra of Friends of KC Chapel Choir under the direction of Audley Davidson.
This Christmas Gala will be more than a concert because our celebration will also herald the school’s approaching Centennial year! How fitting it is this year, that we commemorate the occasion by holding our annual Christmas Concert in one of the school’s iconic treasures? - the Chapel!
A Priceless Legacy – Call to Support
Remarkably, our Christmas Concerts remain akin to civic events, woven into Kingston’s earned recognition of its UNESCO designation as a Creative City of Music.
This year’s Christmas Gala, at St. Augustine’s Chapel (77 years) featuring the KC Chapel Choir (77 years) accompanied skilfully by the cherished and fully factory renovated J W Walker two-manual organ (75 years), will celebrate and showcase continuous service in terms of length of time and quality of service, three iconic pillars of Bishop Gibson’s enduring vision. A legacy of excellence, nostalgic in the art of traditional choral singing and music, comparable by international standards and a reminder that KC is a North Street, Kingston, Christian Institution.
The Choir calls for donations, contributions, and partnerships to further our mission and sustain our vision. As stewards of a priceless legacy, we stand tall on our proven formula for training and success. Your support is crucial in helping us continue to serve with unwavering dedication and excellence. Join us in preserving and celebrating the greatness of the KC Chapel Choir.
We ask for your kind support in purchasing tickets ($5000) from our outlets: KC Bookshop, The Music Mart, Monarch Pharmacy (Lane Plaza), Fontana Pharmacy (Waterloo Road) and at the Chapel door.
Online concert tickets (US$33.95) can be purchased via the link: www.caribtix.com/kcchapelchoir.
Should you be unable to attend, any ticket purchased will be made available for students to attend.
Donations to the Choir can be made using the choir’s banking details below.
| Account Name | Kingston College Choir |
| Account Number | 291010725 |
| Bank Name | NCB Private Banking |
| Branch Code | 00029 |
| Bank Code | 077 |