On the evening of 7th June 2025, Holy Cross Catholic International School opened its doors to an unforgettable experience — A Journey Through Sacred Music. From the moment the first note was sung to the final bow, the atmosphere pulsed with reverence, emotion, and artistry. Our students, dressed in graceful harmony with the theme, took to the stage and poured their hearts into every performance. It was more than a concert; it was a celebration of sacred expression through music.
But before diving into how the evening unfolded, it is important to reflect: what is sacred music?
From the beginning, human beings have sung — offering to God what they had that was most beautiful: their art. Music became a gift, a form of worship, an expression of the soul.
Yet sacred music is not only for God — it is also for us. It touches our hearts. It helps us to pray, to meditate, and to understand sacred texts more deeply. It speaks to the soul, bringing peace, joy, sorrow, and hope.
The Sacred Music we explored in this concert is Christian. It was composed by Christians, often using biblical texts, and most of it is in Latin.
At its heart, Sacred Music is an art form created for worship.
As the auditorium filled with parents, staff, and friends, a quiet hush settled in anticipation. The first sounds of Gregorian Chants floated through the air — timeless, haunting, and deeply spiritual. Our students stood poised and confident, delivering every note with reverence and purity. From there, the audience embarked on a musical journey that traversed centuries.
Throughout history, people have sung to God. Each century has brought forth its own sacred music—music that reflects the spirit of the time.
During this concert, we invited our audience to travel with us: from the 8th century to today. Together, we explored how sacred music has evolved—what has changed, and what has remained timeless.
This journey carried us across the world: from England to France, from the United States to Italy, and even Kenya. Wherever it is found, sacred music touches something deep within us. It transcends time and place.
This concert was more than a celebration of music—it was a testimony that sacred music is universal… and eternal.
Transitioning from the serenity of chant to the complex beauty of polyphony, the performance showcased rich harmonies and intricate layers. Each voice intertwined with the next, creating a tapestry of sound that mesmerized everyone in attendance. Then, the concert gently moved into contemporary sacred music — still reverent, but more familiar in rhythm and tone, reflecting the spirituality of our times.
Every performance revealed the dedication, discipline, and heart of our students. Their commitment to excellence, guided by our passionate music instructors and liturgical mentors, was evident in every moment.
So why Holy Cross?
Holy Cross Catholic International is a Catholic school where the sacred liturgy holds a central place in our lives. Within the liturgy, music also plays a vital role, which is why Sacred Music is so important to us. It helps us glorify God and work toward the salvation of our souls.
Sadly, Sacred Music is increasingly disappearing today. Drums, dancing, and loud contemporary music have replaced the most sacred and timeless melodies of our religion. At Holy Cross, we are committed to helping the Catholic Church reclaim its own musical heritage. We want to show the world that this music still exists, that it continues to move the soul, that this treasure still belongs—fully and rightly—in our churches.
This concert also gave our students the opportunity to engage with many professional singers—some of the best in East Africa. Such exposure is invaluable and will greatly benefit them, helping to prepare the next generation of musicians in the region.
By the time the final note echoed through the hall, the audience stood in applause — not just for the performance, but for the meaning behind it. Some wiped away tears, others lingered in silence, visibly moved. What lingered wasn’t only the sound, but the spirit it left behind.
In the end, A Journey Through Sacred Music did more than showcase musical talent. It brought generations together through worship. It reminded us that sacred music is still alive — still stirring, still holy. It gave our students a platform not only to perform but to evangelize through beauty.
We are immensely proud of every student who stood on that stage, and deeply grateful to our music department and guest performers who made it all possible. May the echoes of that evening continue to inspire, to uplift, and to call us to worship in spirit and in truth.