St Margaret's Church Prestwich

This article first appeared in the November 2019 issue of our parish magazine. Here it is for you again:

As many readers know, for the past two years I have been a regular attendee at Sing for Pleasure choral singing leadership and conducting courses. Last November, this was my “study” piece at such a weekend. I knew immediately that I would have to sing it during the Remembrance Sunday service at St Margaret’s later that month.

The text is taken from graffiti found on the walls of a concentration camp cabin in Cologne, soon after liberation:

I believe in the sun, even when it’s not shining.

I believe in love, when there’s no one there.

I believe in God, even when He is silent.

I believe, I believe, I believe.

May there someday, someday be sunshine.

May there someday, someday be love.

May there someday, someday be happiness.

I believe, I believe, I believe.

These incredibly moving words were set to music by Stuart Overington, SfP tutor and MD with the Halle family of choirs. He composed for four voice parts singing acapella, gradually building from a solo voice through to richly textured and hopeful climax at the end. When I sang it last year, I was accompanied by Tom, who played the alto, tenor and bass parts on the piano. This year, Maggie’s Music Makers have been working hard learning to sing in two-part harmony, with Tom playing the tenor and bass parts on the piano. If it is ready, you’ll hear it on Remembrance Sunday.

You can hear a recording of last year’s performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHtnS512yU4

Carol P