Half an hour was more than enough to take over UN staff’s
hearts and make them feel the joy of Christmas season. Happiness was radiating on
their smiling faces, as they gave loud applauses and shouted out with glee.
“United Harmony” choir, comprising ESCWA staff in Beirut,
welcomed the joyful season by performing Christmas carols that entertained and
enchanted the audience with rhythms echoing at the UN House.
Though they are not famous performers, but ESCWA staff’s talent
was key in spreading joy and the spirit of the season. Everyone cherished their
creative skills as all staff gathered in the Main Hall to celebrate Christmas
on the beat of their angelic voices.
“We were very much
involved in making this dream come true. Each and every one of us worked a lot.
We rehearsed after working hours and sometimes from home to spread the ambiance
of love and joy,” said the choir.
Saleem el Zoghbi led the chorus, and
the musicians were Lina Nassar (keyboard), Issa Toubbeh (guitar), Matthew
Perkins (cello), Mary Ann Perkins (violin), Maria Isabel Ortiz (violin). Singers
included Josee Tarabay, Nadine Daou, Nouhad Hayek, Jeannette Nassar, Souad Azar,
Nathalie Khaled, Diana Sokhn, Hanadi Baltaji, Janet Forbes, Tanja Sejersen, Zena
Homsi, Paul Tacon, Trishatur La Galia and Ray Goh.
The group sang eight carols in
English, Arabic and French, and they concluded the ceremony by wishing everyone
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in the six UN official languages. Performers
felt very flattered as they received calls for an Encore.
