WILLEMSTAD - Last Friday, during Holy Mass at the Santa Rosa Church, the Santa Rosa de Lima Choir gave their final performance. This marked the end of 63 years of musical dedication and tradition. The decision to disband came after the passing of their conductor, Pablo Walter, three months ago. Additionally, the advanced age of most choir members and the lack of interest from the younger generation in joining contributed to this decision.
The choir chose to hold their final performance on August 23, the feast day of the patron saint of the Santa Rosa Church. On behalf of the choir, Mrs. Norin Gijsberta, herself an active member for 56 years, thanked everyone who contributed to the choir in any way over the past 63 years.
In a unique moment at the end of the Mass, the power went out just as Mgr. Greg was about to give the blessing, forcing Mrs. Norin to deliver her speech in the dark. Nevertheless, she managed to present a gift to Mgr. Greg as a token of appreciation for the long-standing collaboration between the church and the choir.
Roland Walter, the son of the late conductor Pablo Walter, has his own choir and promised that his father’s composed pieces will be preserved. Mgr. Greg expressed his gratitude to the Santa Rosa de Lima Choir for the many years they have touched the hearts of parishioners, not only at Santa Rosa Church but also in other churches across Curaçao where they performed.
It is noteworthy that August 23 would have marked Pablo Walter’s 44th anniversary as the choir's conductor, had he still been alive. Under his direction, the choir gradually transitioned from Latin chants to songs in Papiamentu, incorporating Creole rhythms such as waltzes, tumba, danza, mazurka, and even tambú. Pablo’s exceptional talent for composition greatly contributed to Curaçao’s musical culture, and the island will always be grateful for the modernization he brought.
The Santa Rosa de Lima Choir and Pablo Walter’s contributions will live on in the hearts of many. His son Roland is determined to continue his father’s musical legacy.