The Story Of The Belfast Boys’ Choir That Harmonized Behind “Whenever God Shines His Light”

April 1, 2025

In the heart of Belfast, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, a group of boys gathered every week after school with one dream: to sing. They were part of a choir that had been formed to bring joy and harmony to their community, and little did they know, their voices would soon resonate far beyond the walls of their small rehearsal room. It was here that they learned to blend their voices, creating a beautiful sound that would later catch the ear of one of music’s most beloved artists, Van Morrison.

One crisp autumn afternoon, as leaves danced along the cobblestone streets, the choir director announced something that sent waves of excitement through the group. Van Morrison, the legendary singer known for his soulful voice, would soon visit them. The boys could hardly believe it; they had listened to his songs with a mixture of reverence and longing. The thought of performing alongside him filled their hearts with exhilaration and nervous energy. They had been learning a song called “Whenever God Shines His Light,” a piece that resonated with themes of hope and faith. The boys practiced tirelessly, their passion igniting as they harmonized under the direction of their beloved choir teacher.

On the day of the performance, the church was filled with an air of anticipation. The vibrant stained-glass windows painted the room in a kaleidoscope of colors, and as the boys took their places, they could see their friends and families smiling proudly at them from the pews. When Van Morrison walked in, a hush fell over the crowd. He was an unassuming figure, but his presence commanded the room. The moment the choir began to sing, the atmosphere changed; their voices soared, weaving together like threads in a tapestry. With each note, they felt something magical happening, something that transcended the fear and the pressure of the moment.

As Van Morrison joined in, his voice blended seamlessly with the boys’, lifting the entire room to a new height of emotional depth. The harmonies they created together were powerful, a testament to the collaboration between generations and the unbreakable bond of music. The audience was swept away, lost in the beauty of the moment. By the end of the song, tears streamed down the faces of many in attendance, moved by the pure joy and electricity that filled the air. For Van Morrison, the performance was a reminder of the pure innocence and passion of youth—a spark that can sometimes be lost in the rush of adulthood.

This experience was transformative for the choir and for Van Morrison himself. The boys found confidence they never knew they had, their performance becoming a stepping stone into a world of possibilities. Van Morrison, inspired by their spirit, mentioned in interviews how the collaboration reignited his love for creating music that touched the soul. The boys would go on to cherish that moment, often reflecting on how singing with such an iconic artist opened doors for their own musical journeys.

Years later, long after that memorable performance, the boys would look back on that day with gratitude. It was more than just a concert; it was a pivotal moment in their lives. They had glimpsed the power of music to bring people together and to heal. And for Van Morrison, it was a reaffirmation of his belief that music is a force of light in the world. The harmonies they created that day continued to echo in their hearts, reminding them of the importance of resilience, passion, and the profound connections forged through song. Their story became a beacon of hope, shining brightly like the light that God bestows upon us all.