USJ Choir's Mass in Blue: A Defiant Stand Against War
The USJ Choir, led by Yasmina Sabbah, presents a jazzy "Mass in Blue." ©This is Beirut

Amid Lebanon's turmoil, the USJ Choir, led by Yasmina Sabbah, remains resolute in presenting its Christmas concert—a jazzy Mass in Blue. An act of cultural resistance and hope, driven by voices that refuse to be silenced.

In these troubled times, as Lebanon faces one of the darkest periods in its recent history, a beacon of hope shines in the heart of Beirut. The University of Saint Joseph Choir, under the direction of Yasmina Sabbah, is set to present its annual Christmas concert on December 18 and 19, 2024, at Saint Joseph Church in Monnot. This year's event holds even greater significance as the country contends with a renewed wave of violence that began on September 23.

The concert program embodies the essence of Lebanese resilience: bold and innovative. The highlight of the evening will be Mass in Blue by Will Todd, a jazz-infused reinterpretation of the traditional Latin mass. This contemporary piece, masterfully blending sacred harmonies with jazz rhythms, will be performed by the choir, accompanied by the Beirut Jazz Quartet and soloist Marie-Josée Matar.

Beyond its pure musical aspect, the concert holds profound meaning for its participants. Yasmina Sabbah, the choir's conductor, shares the poignant story behind this performance.

“Imagine this: we had just resumed rehearsals on September 5, excited to prepare our new Christmas program, an innovative blend of jazz and choral music. We had so many exciting projects ahead, and the energy was palpable… Then, suddenly, just three weeks later, on September 23, war broke out, shattering our world and plunging it into chaos without warning.”

In the face of this dramatic situation, how could a choir, scattered by the upheaval, maintain its cohesion? The answer lays in technology, though this approach was not without challenges, as explained by the choir conductor.

“The inability to meet in person at USJ, our usual rehearsal space in the heart of Beirut, forced us to adopt a method we all dreaded: online rehearsals, which we had first experimented with during the Covid period. [...] Each week, we would connect virtually to work on difficult passages and I would give my feedback. Then, each chorister had to record themselves individually and submit their performance so I could assess it and make necessary corrections.”

While this approach was far removed from the true essence of choral singing, it allowed the group to stay on course. More than 70 recordings were reviewed each week, a testament to the choristers' unwavering dedication. This commitment paid off: by late November, during their first in-person meeting, the choir was ready to focus on interpretation, having already learned the sheet music through online rehearsals.

The concert program promises to be diverse and rich. In addition to the Mass in Blue, the audience will enjoy a curated selection of jazz standards and Christmas carols reinterpreted in a jazz style. This fusion of sacred and secular, tradition and modernity, takes on a particularly meaningful resonance in the current context.

When asked about the message she hoped to convey to the Lebanese public, Yasmina Sabbah offered a response rich in humanity:

“Despite the heavy challenges and suffering we have endured, we stand here today, united. The mere fact that this concert is taking place is, in itself, a triumph—a powerful symbol of our perseverance in the face of adversity. We do not view ourselves as heroes or exceptional beings with superhuman resilience. We are ordinary men and women, with our vulnerabilities, our hopes, and an unyielding will to live in peace and pursue our passions.”

This passion for singing has become more than just a hobby; it has turned into an act of cultural resistance. In a country where uncertainty reigns and each day brings new trials, the USJ Choir has chosen to make their voices heard. “Singing is an essential part of our identity, of who we are. It is inconceivable for us to abandon this part of ourselves,” asserts the choir conductor.

The concert, to be held at Saint-Joseph Church in Monnot, promises to be a moment of harmony and hope. It will be a unique opportunity to see how music, particularly jazz, can transcend boundaries and bring light into the darkest times.

“Every note we sing will carry the memory of the hardships we have faced, but it will also reflect our steadfast determination to live and create. Through our music, we aim to rise above the chaos that surrounds us and celebrate the enduring strength of life, no matter the challenges.”

These words resonate as a powerful manifesto of an artistic community that refuses to be defeated. Through this concert, the USJ Choir offers an extraordinary interlude where music overcomes war, merging jazz harmonies with voices to create a moment of peace and beauty.

Will Todd’s Mass in Blue, with its innovative jazz-infused approach to the traditional mass, perfectly embodies the choir's spirit of reinvention and adaptation.

The Beirut Jazz Quartet and soloist Marie-Josée Matar will infuse the event with their exceptional professionalism and virtuosity, creating a bridge between choral music and jazz, the sacred and the contemporary. This collaboration promises moments of high musical and emotional intensity.

While admission to this event is free, reservations are mandatory. Tickets can exclusively be obtained through www.ticketingboxoffice.com.

Early booking is strongly recommended, as seating at Saint Joseph Church is limited. The two performances will take place at 8:30 PM on Wednesday, December 18, and Thursday, December 19, 2024.

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