Rwanda's leading Catholic choir, Chorale de Kigali (CDK), has remained consistent with its identity and delivered exceptional live musical performances, spiritual expression, and talent development for over six decades. The choir has overcome challenges associated with a world where musical trends change quickly and vocal authenticity is often overshadowed by digital enhancements. ALSO READ: Chorale de Kigali to celebrate World Music Day with 'Voices in Harmony Concert' Their latest concert on the occasion of World Music Day held at Kigali Universe left the audience of classical music enthusiasts amazed and moved by the talent each chorist displayed. "Chorale de Kigali is more than a Catholic choir," said Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, a passionate music lover. From singing works by Handel, Mozart, Chopin, or Rwandan composers to performing Mozart's Le Mariage de Figaro, Rossini's Le Barbier de Séville, and other classical plays with perfection, Nduhungirehe described the choir as the Opéra de Kigali made up of musical virtuosos with incredible voices. Founded in 1963 by seminary-trained musicians such as Claver Karangwa, Leon Mbarushimana, Callixte Kalisa, Paulin Muswahili, and Saulve Iyamuremye, the choir initially started as a men-only ensemble inspired by the choral traditions of Catholic seminaries. Over time, it has evolved into a powerful and inclusive platform with over 150 active members, 60% of whom are young people, dedicated to the craft of live performance and vocal mastery. ALSO READ: When live performances become Rwandan music’s weak link A choir that builds voices from the ground up Germaine Utembinema is one of the longest-serving members in the choir, having joined in 1999 as a teenager. She stated that Chorale de Kigali is more than just a musical group but a nurturing family. "I came without knowing anything," she told The New Times, "But I've come to learn how to sing, about legendary performers, and how to evaluate vocal abilities." Through mentorship, regular rehearsals, and inspiration from global talents, Utembinema developed her soprano skills and grew both spiritually and musically. Rehearsals are taken seriously and occur three times a week in the evenings after work. Each session lasts two hours and focuses not only on individual vocal improvement but also on team coordination. "Our trainers usually tell us that we should remember we have a lot to give the audience. You are the best person in the hall. It's also amazing to see people turn up for you. The more you get used to it, the more it encourages you and eventually helps you deliver a great performance," she said. "We were fortunate to get the best trainers who encouraged us to learn from others who had done it perfectly. By that time, technology had already been introduced and helped us learn more lessons from them. It grew and was benchmarked against others. We shared lessons with other choirs, we practiced, and that's how we grew," she added. "If over 100 people can sing well in harmony, you can imagine the energy and discipline it takes," explains Jean Claude Byiringiro, a trainer and long-time member who joined in 1994, just months after the Genocide against the Tutsi. However, the genocide almost destroyed the choir. Many members were killed or forced into exile. "It was almost no more," said Byiringiro, who was then a young seminarian. "Reviving it took only three committed individuals but music lovers soon joined, including students from universities and seminaries." ALSO READ: Challenges affecting the growth of Rwanda’s music industry Among those who helped resurrect the choir was Jean Claude Hodari, the current president. He credits the role of resilience and structure in the choir's rebirth. "We were registered as a non-profit organisation aiming to develop written music to international standards," Hodari says. He explained that aspiring members go through a three-month probation period after submitting a formal application. During this time, their vocal range, be it soprano, alto, tenor, or bass, is assessed, or their instrumental talent is evaluated. Upon approval by a general meeting, they are officially inducted into the choir. However, talent development doesn't stop at vocal training. "We also train them how to compose," says Byiringiro. "Special time is dedicated to soloists, helping them deliver performances at a world-class level." "Just like how one joins a team as a newbie, it's the same when joining a choir. Trainers help the person take some steps until they reach a satisfying level. It's a similar situation in the choir as well. In the choir, there's teamwork, and that's where we place most of our focus. For everyone who sings, we're now exceeding 100 people. If all those people stand together to sing—and sing well—you can imagine the energy it takes," he explained. Chorale de Kigali's mission extends beyond singing in church. They interpret global musical history for Rwandan audiences, performing pieces that span centuries and continents, from 15th-century European compositions to traditional Rwandan melodies arranged in Pentatonic scales. Some of the music in their repertoire dates back to 1400 BC, originally played in Syria, and includes Greek music from 100 BC. During the World Music Day concert on June 21, they performed a rich fusion of classical and contemporary sounds, performing pieces like Turate u Rwanda, Tiritomba, Chiquitita, and the UEFA Champions League Anthem. With each piece, the choir illustrated how human stories and emotions can be conveyed across languages and generations through live performance. Embracing modernity while staying rooted To keep their sound fresh and relevant, the choir has recently started integrating modern instruments such as the violin, flute, trumpet, saxophone, and violoncello, many played by foreigners and local collaborators. "We are recruiting new talent to spice up our performances," Hodari says. "Live instrumentation is something we're expanding to inspire young Rwandans and grow their love for this kind of music." At its core, Chorale de Kigali remains committed to live, unfiltered music. Every note performed is real, every harmony rehearsed, and every voice shaped with intention. Whether singing sacred hymns or 15th-century operas, they connect audiences with the raw essence of music. For many members, the choir is not just a hobby but a healing space and a source of daily motivation. "Singing helps me relax," says Utembinema. "After a rehearsal, I wake up refreshed, ready to work, because I did something I loved last evening." ALSO READ: Chorale de Kigali adds World Music Day concert to choir’s calendar The choir has made an indelible legacy for decades "For example, we composed songs for Radio Rwanda. They composed a song at the launch of the Rusumo Bridge in 1972 that praised the development, the leaders, and also the Central Bank of Rwanda. They performed in many festivals outside the religious context but gained more popularity in many Catholic churches and mass gatherings."
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