Founded in the year 1969 by the late Mrs. & Mr. Mammen Mappillai, late Mrs. & Mr. P.C Kurien, Mr K.V Mathew among others, the St. Thomas Orthodox Cathedral Choir, Broadway is the first choir of the Malankara Orthodox Church. The choir has specialized in Malayalam choral singing including classical and semi-classical numbers. Started with the aim of providing a set measure and pattern to the liturgical music of the church, the choir has extended its scope to being part of the musical scene of Chennai. Known for the preservation of the Eastern traditions in all its music, this choir has led the Christmas celebrations in the city of Chennai with its carols rendered in carnatic style.
Its first choir master was the musical maestro Late Shri. Jacob John, affectionately known as ‘Jim Master’. He was also the music teacher of the Oscar winner and musical legend A R Rahman. This choir has been associated with many other stalwarts in the music arena such as Padmashri Dr. K J Yesudoss, Shri. Jolly Abraham, Shri. Ousepachen, Ms. Chitra, Ms. Sujatha, Ms. Swetha, to name a few. However, its longest association has been with the noted Malayalam music director Shri. Jerry Amaldev. For more than 2 decades, Shri. Jerry Amaldev has conducted the Orthodox Choir at all its public performances and has been associated with its musical productions of Malayalam carols and the English Holy Mass.
The Choir has produced many Christmas carol albums, the most popular being “Emmanuel” and “Devan Jathanayi”. In 2014, the Choir has released their third album of Christmas carols titled “Paithalaam Yesu”. Apart from this, the Choir has also brought out the Holy Eucharist service of the Malankara Orthodox Church in Malayalam and English. All these productions have become immensely popular throughout the world over a period of time.
The choir constitutes 30+ strong voices across all age groups and is musically assisted by the resident Organist. Apart from singing, members of the choir also actively contribute in terms of new compositions, varied arrangements/harmonies for existing songs and lyric writing as well. Majority of the songs produced by the choir were written by Mr. George Joseph, a senior member.
Organists’ lineage –
1969-90 » Jacob John (Jim)
1990-2001 » Kripa Mathew
2002 onwards » Joseph P George (Jojo)
Mr. George Varghese, a senior member, has also been assisting on the organ throughout.