"O Father, Whose Almighty Power"

Choirs across Nigeria know the thrill of tackling a Handel chorus, and "O Father, Whose Almighty Power" from the oratorio *Judas Maccabaeus* is a true favourite for classical concerts and special choral presentations. The piece opens with a solemn, majestic prayer—a slow, reverent Larghetto acknowledging God's dominion over heaven, earth, and sea. It is the kind of opening that demands deep, supported singing from the whole choir, setting a tone of absolute awe and reverence.

Then comes the shift. The tempo kicks into a spirited Allegro, and the voices begin to chase each other in a brilliant, energetic fugue, crying out, "And grant a leader bold and brave." It is a joy to rehearse and perform, as each voice part gets its moment to lead the charge before weaving back into the grand, unified texture. For the singers, it is a thrilling test of precision and breath control; for those listening, it is a powerful, stirring call for divine guidance and deliverance.