A FESTIVE liturgy gained added poignancy with the debut of a song written specially for the victims of the Paris terrorist attack.
Brother and sister Ciaran and Tim Jasper performed in public for the first time Le Tricolore, at the annual liturgy of their former school, Carmel College, Darlington.
A packed audience heard a moving rendition of a tune that is currently going viral on social media.
Written by musical director Tim in a moment of inspiration as he drove to work at the Sage, Gateshead, where he is also a piano tutor, the piece is designed to be uplifting and offer messages of hope and support to the city targeted by extremist gunmen.
“The words and music just came to me while I was driving and I had to stop and record myself before I forgot them,” said Tim, 22, whose mum Julie is vice principal at Carmel College.
“I needed to write it down. I thought something needed to be said but I wanted it to be uplifting and show that we are united behind France.”
Tim posted the video on Facebook and it had more than 6,000 views in two days. He has also sent it to the French Government and uploaded it to YouTube.
Ciaran, 20, who is studying a music degree at the Sage, sang Le Tricolore at the annual liturgy, accompanied by Tim on piano and by singers Gabriella Orsi, Sarah Turver and Laney Wilkinson.
She said: “It was nerve wracking as it was Tim’s composition. I’m so proud of him for writing it and I wanted to do it justice.”
Carmel College chief executive Maura Regan added: “It was an incredibly moving performance of a very powerful song. Its sentiment resonates no clearer than at Christmas time and it will help us all remember the plight of everyone affected by the Paris shooting and other troubles in the world.”
The song can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr2qd3DBtx8.
Hundreds of students, friends and family attended the liturgy, which celebrated the festive season with readings and carols.
Performances featured the Carmel Liturgy Group, the college’s Big Band, Musical Theatre Group, Junior Choir, the newly formed Glee Club, Senior Choir and Staff Choir.
Christy McAllister and Sophie Lawson sang an emotive rendition of Adele’s Hello, while Daniel Ademuwagun performed Every Praise.