SINGAPORE — Representatives of diplomatic missions in Singapore pinned a miniature flag of their countries onto a “Tree of Peace” during a choral concert, symbolising their nation’s commitment to work for peace, as well as their hopes for peace for their people.
Ambassadors, high commissioners and other representatives from more than 50 countries including Ukraine and the USA took part in the yearly Pledge for Peace ceremony during a Christmas concert performed by the Cathedral Choir of the Risen Christ.
The Dec 7 event saw Guest-of Honour, Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development in Singapore, taking part, together with Apostolic Nuncio to Singapore, Archbishop Marek Zalewski.
In a message in the concert programme’s booklet, choir founder-director Sir Dr Peter Low noted the threats that the world is facing now, and pointed out that “the art of song can point men in the direction of welcome solutions in times of conflict”.
“The carols which we sing tonight remind us of the reality that despite our diversity we are really one entity – MAN,” he wrote.
In a special prayer segment during the event, held at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Archbishop Zalewski also prayed that God would “open the hearts of all men” to His love “so that peace and happiness among all peoples may prevail”.
The concert saw the 50-strong choir singing and dancing to more than 60 songs and carols from around the world, while donning the costumes of the various countries.
The concert, titled “Christmas at the Cathedral”, was the 52nd such concert staged by the choir. Proceeds from the concert went to the cathedral.
(Christopher Khoo is a Singapore-based freelance journalist and educator).
