Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Church in Arlington has 11 different
choirs that enhance the numerous weekend liturgies at the
busy parish. Music Director Han Pham had the difficult task
of blending all of those voices into one combined choir for
the Multicultural Choral Concert held April 25 at Bishop
Ireton High School in Alexandria.
The Vietnamese choir was one of eight that performed Saturday
night in a historic event that was sponsored by Ireton, in
cooperation with the Office of Multicultural Ministries of
the Arlington Diocese.
Father Edward J. Bresnahan, Ireton’s chaplain and assistant
principal, served as master of ceremonies for the concert. He
was assisted by a group of Ireton students who introduced the
various ethnic groups.
The performing choirs included: the Ghana Catholic Community
Choir from Queen of Apostles Church in Alexandria; St. Paul
Chung Korean Choir from Fairfax; the St. Joseph Gospel Choir
from Alexandria, under the direction of Eugene Harper; the
Filipino Serenata Choir; Good Shepherd’s Hispanic Charismatic
Choir, directed by Geimy Hilario; and Heartsongs: Tam Tinh
Ca.
Harper directed all of the combined choirs in the grand
finale, a rendition of the “Celtic Alleluia.”
Corinne Monogue and Liz Tauke from the Office of
Multicultural Ministries were the chief organizers of the
event.
“The concert was so much fun to plan and coordinate,” said
Monogue. “We had close to 200 performers and their timing on
stage went flawlessly.” She attributed that to the
professionalism of the choral performers and the expertise of
Ireton’s students and staff.
“With limited time for rehearsals and many groups meeting
each other for the first time that evening, having it turn
out like it did was spectacular,” she said.
“This is something we would definitely like to consider doing
again,” Monogue said. “It was such a unique way of exposing
our Catholic faith through cultures, identity and music.
“We are blessed with many diocesan cultural groups that can
share this part of their Catholic identity and historical
experiences through their Catholic faith experiences brought
to the United States from their native lands.”
Monogue said that listening to the “heartfelt performances”
made her realize that “our love for our neighbor is global.”
The Office of Multicultural Ministries is supported by funds
from the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal.
