#harmonious chorale

[choralmusicghana]

George François & Friends raise funds for New Horizon Special School

Over the last weekend, Dr. George François, a New York based Ghanaian concert pianist, held a fundraising concert in support of the New Horizon Special School.

Hope Concert ‘19, supported by the Australian High Commission, featured performances with Fulbright scholar Dr. Cristina Ruotolo and celebrated cellist Sally Singer. The main concert performances were preceded by an exhibition of works from Michael Bortei-Doku and Adjei Sowah, serenaded by a string quartet assembled from some of the best musicians from Accra. 

The fundraiser was the climax of two weeks of musical activities surrounding George's visit to his home country. The visiting pianist held two masterclasses for beginner and advanced pianists at the residence of the Australian High Commissioner, while Dr. Singer led a class for string players on the cello, double bass, viola and violin.

The trio also held a number of private concerts, including one at the US Ambassador's residence and the Ghana club.

The New Horizon School was started in the early 1970s as a response to the plight of Helen, daughter of the founder Salome François, who had developed neurological problems as a result of a medical misdiagnosis. The school, located in Cantonments, Accra, provides education, vocational training and employment for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Salome François’ vision of helping intellectually challenged persons to live fulfilling lives has earned her the support of several donors touched by her effort to transform a personal tragedy into hope for many children.

The concert proper featured Dr. George François on a piano, playing JS Bach’s Partita No. 2 in C minor and Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2, Op. 31 in B♭ minor. The first half of the concert ended with a performance of the first two movements from Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op 49.

After an intermission which included students from the school on a catwalk and a fundraiser auction of some items they had made at school, the second half of performances saw four singers from Seasonal House Opera - a Ghanaian company specialising in operatic singing, on stage with Dr. François.

Joseph Quaynor performed La Donna è Mobile from Verdi’s “Rigoletto”, Mitchelle Ajeigbe impressed the audience with Mozart’s Voi Che Sapete and Leslie Carine left them stunned with Der Hölle Rache Kocht in Meinem Herzen, by the same composer. 

Baritone Kennedy Dankwa also sang Votre Toast, Je Peux Vous le Rendre from Bizet’s “Carmen”. The quartet ended their performances with Luigi Denza’s Funiculì, Funiculà! 

All soloists are choristers with Harmonious Chorale, one of Ghana’s most internationally successful choirs.

Ms Nhyira Coleman, a Chartered Accountant with KPMG, brought the performances to a close with a special tribute song for Mrs. François. She was also accompanied by George.

The visit marked an important few days for the growing classical music community in Accra, which had the opportunity to interact with some of the finest players from the United States, and with patrons of the arts. 

Dr. Singer and François’ visit to Ghana came at the end of the visit of the Junge Kammerphilharmonie Rhein-Neckar to the National Symphony Orchestra, and concluded only a week before the NSO’s own “Evening Classicals” concert. 

Along with the climax of a year of live performances at Afro Classical Nights late last month, August and September 2019 have turned out to be a success for classical music in Accra.

[cbjustmusic]

“Angels Voices, Ever Singing” Descant By James Varrick Armaah performed by the Harmonious Chorale from Ghana _________________________ Angel Voices, Ever Singing Composer: Francis Pott

Angel voices, ever singing, round Thy throne of light Angel harps, forever ringing, rest not day or night Thousands only live to bless Thee, and confess Thee Lord of might.

Thou Who art beyond the farthest mortal eye can scan Can it be that Thou regardest songs of sinful man Can we feel that Thou art near us and wilt hear us? Yea, we can.

Lord, we know Thy love rejoices o'er each work of Thine Thou didst ears and hands and voices for Thy praise combine Craftsman's art and music's measure for Thy pleasure didst design.

Here, great God, today we offer of Thine own to Thee And for Thine acceptance proffer, all unworthily Hearts and minds, and hands and voices, in our choicest melody.

Honor, glory, might and merit, Thine shall ever be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, blessed Trinity Of the best that Thou hast given Earth and heaven render Thee...

[choralmusicghana]

Augustine Sobeng, Others, hold Pipe Organ Seminar in Accra

Last weekend, Augustine Sobeng, a young Ghanaian organist, together with fellow organists and musicians, put together a pipe organ seminar for performers and enthusiasts at the Trinity United Church, on the campus of the Trinity Theological Seminary at East Legon, Accra. It was Augustine’s first such event.

The seminar saw over a hundred participants gather for a few hours to learn from some of the leading figures of choral and church music in Accra. They were also treated to some remarkable performances of organ and vocal works from German, French and Italian masters. The seminar also included moments of congregational hymn singing, conducted by the venue’s music director, Isaac Adjei-Bamfo.

The event began with a presentation by James Varrick Armaah on musicianship as a profession. The founder of Harmonious Chorale covered themes which included fundamental professional conduct - a concern he felt affected musicians of all classes - and certain misconceptions about remuneration for creative work. He bemoaned the myth that persons gifted “as it were by God” should not use their skills for private financial gain, especially within the context of church music.

He made a strong case for the necessity of musicians, arguing that one could not go a day without encountering music in some form. Mr. Armaah used his presentation to encourage musicians to work together for their own welfare, saying “There was no profession made lucrative by people outside of it”.

James did not hold back on some of the structural limitations affecting the quality of musicians the country’s schools produce, which make them less competitive on the international market. Similarly, Mr. Armaah did not reserve his feelings about persons and platforms that openly share manuscripts that could have been profitable to composers, highlighting the irony that the practice - encouraged by musicians - undermines the viability of an industry that is in need of every pesewa it can earn.

Augustine Sobeng led the audience through the fundamentals of the pipe organ. A four-manual electronic organ supplied by Olive Organs, a Tema-based organ manufacturer, was the focus of his practical demonstrations. Augustine’s approach to this technical introduction allowed more casual appreciators a peek into the complex world of the instrument’s history and contemporary practice. He hinted at future masterclasses that will delve deeper into some of the ideas he shared.

The final speaker was Joseph Ossei-Little, a practicing pharmacist and organist, who took attendees through a productive practice routine. He used his unique situation to speak to concerns relating to the serious pursuit of music while maintaining a demanding career.

The seminar was attended by several young church musicians and organists, as well as musical enthusiasts. Rev. Joyce Aryee, a specially invited guest, seized the opportunity she had to address the audience to speak extensively about the spiritual dimension of the work of the church musician, whom she believed was primarily a practicing Christian before they were a practicing musician.

The organisers of the event announced the formation of an “Organ Club”, an initiative which they believed will help encourage serious practice and deliberate collaboration among organists in the country.

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About the author: Jesse Johnson is a writer at Choral Music Ghana.

[choralmusicghana]

Harmonious Chorale, Others, Nominated for Entertainment Achievement Awards

Harmonious Chorale Ghana was among several cultural icons nominated for the maiden edition of the Entertainment Achievement Awards, an initiative of Citi TV to celebrate distinguished talents in the country’s entertainment industry.

The awards scheme was launched in December 2020 in Kumasi, at an event that brought together stakeholders in the entertainment industry and members of the Academy, whose industry insight and oversight guides the execution of the programme.

Nominations for the Entertainment Achievement Awards cut across the diversity of active creative industries, from film to stand-up comedy, the literary arts and fashion.

Harmonious Chorale Ghana’s Festival of Praise and Worship - Virtual Experience, their first online-only event, are among four others in the running for the Event of the Year. The event was held in July last year, as restrictions on public social interactions were beginning to ease. It was the first time in four years that the Fellowship of Praise and Worship did not feature a live audience.

Other events nominated for the category include Sarkodie’s Black Love virtual concert and the Pa Gya! Literary Festival. 

The awards ceremony will be held on 27th March, 2021 at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City, in Accra.

[choralmusicghana]

Aroma of Praise: Tamale Youth Choir's First Virtual Choral Experience

The Tamale Youth Choir (TYC) is a choral group based in the Northern Region of Ghana. It was initially established in 2017 by a team of exuberant individuals led by Samuel Dowaana Mensah. The motivation behind its creation was to create a platform for many young people to display their talent in the field of choral music in northern Ghana, and to collaborate with other choirs from the southern regions of the country.

On the 25th of July 2020, the choir held its first virtual concert - the tenth edition of “Aroma of Praise” - at the Pentecostal International Worship Center (PIWC) at Kakasunaka, Tamale. The program, the brainchild of Mr. Sitsofe Anku (CEO of Chorale Music General), has previously featured various guest choirs in the southern part of the country.

The president of the TYC, Mr. Felix Agoligi stated that the practice of choral music in the northern part of the country hasn’t been encouraging, and that the choir hoped to bridge the wide gap between the northern and southern part of the country. He talked about how many of its members who are young and unemployed were passionate and determined to forge a more positive future for themselves.

Most of the music the choir performed were compositions - in various local dialects - by their founder and music director, Samuel Dowaana Mensah. Works from James Varrick Armaah, Kweku Abeku Ansaeku and Albert Adusei were also performed. The founder suggested choral music will be better appreciated by their audience if it were written and performed in their own languages.

Both founder and president of the choir appealed for support from individuals and institutions, as well as help from more experienced persons from the south of the country to help realise the dream of the choir.

Among the immediate and future plans of the Tamale Youth Choir are a virtual peace concert in anticipation of the 2020 General Elections, to have the choir officially inaugurated and position it as the representative of choice for choral music from the northern regions.

[choralmusicghana]

Thousands Join Harmonious Chorale’s First Major Online Concert

The Harmonious Chorale Ghana mesmerized choral music lovers once again with their performances at this year's edition of Festival of Praise and Worship which was dubbed “Virtual Experience”.

This concert which attracted views from all walks of life to the YouTube channel of the choir showcased the innovation and versatility of the 2018 World Choir Games champions during this pandemic. COVID-19 restrictions have hampered many activities globally, but that has barely affected the ability of the choir to promote its brand and music. Harmonious Chorale have been hosting a series of virtual worship ministrations since the country was hit by the pandemic.

The much anticipated and well-promoted concert, under the baton of the renowned composer and conductor Mr James Varrick Armaah, who is also  the executive director of the group, was broadcast live from the Christ the King Parish Hall in Accra. 

The programme commenced with a series of soothing and beautiful hymns, anthems and highlifes sang by the choir. The performances were well embellished with aesthetic instrumentation and lovely solo renditions of compositions from both prominent indigenous and foreign composers, including pieces from WA Mozart’s Requiem in D, Sekyi Baidoo’s “Tell Me the Old, Old Story”, Harvey Essilfie’s Makokyem Nyame and Armaah’s own Onyame Akasa.

The exciting performances drew a lot of appreciation and enthusiastic commentary from over eight thousand viewers. The massive online reach is testament to the choir’s strong brand and presence within and outside their home country.

The music was interspersed with scripture readings from Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, as well as inspirational messages admonishing believers to trust in God, not only in these trying times. She led the choir in a short memorial prayer for those who have lost loved ones due to the ongoing pandemic, health workers and the leadership of the country who are leading the fight against COVID-19. 

She hinted that the choir will have more virtual concerts in part due to its spectacular reach.

The choir will resume their virtual Weekend Worship in August.

[choralmusicghana]

The Kalabashi Concert: Songs of Akotam

The Kalabashi Concert is a choral event that will feature an African stage musical as the highlight. The first part of the concert will feature six choirs: Harmochestra, Adehye Chorale, the DYC Choir, the African Youth Choir and Windy Voices, the Symphonials and the African Glorious Chorale.

Four of these choirs will exhibit collaborative performances. The performances will include sacred and patriotic music, as well as folk songs by George Mensah Essilfie.

The music, the showpiece of the Kalabashi Concert, will be performed by the award-winning Harmonious Chorale Ghana. The third part of the concert will, as has become usual, feature danceable highlife tunes already popular on the Ghanaian choral scene, rendered by three of the featuring choirs that night.

Songs of Akotam

The musical to be staged at the Kalabashi Concert was written and composed by George Mensah Essilfie as a five-act stage musical. Set in an imaginary Akan village, Songs of Akotam tells the story of Kamuta, a wicked giant who captures Abokuma, the beautiful princess of Akotam.

The story rests on a secret to overcome the terrors of the legendary giant.

Originally created by the composer, Songs of Akotam comprises twelve art songs, most of which were written by George himself. A few of them are founded on traditional motifs and tunes, and the rest are folk songs. The music of the play presents a mixture of Western and African traditional music, with the employment of guitars, keyboards, wind instruments, jazz and traditional African percussion instruments as accompaniment.

George Essilfie’s intercultural approach to composition, drawing from musical experiences in the Caribbean, the UK and the USA, as well as from his native land, come together to create a grand experiment: an elaborate fusion that is the hallmark of his art music.

The artistic team includes Mr. Samuel Arko Mensah, James Varrick Armaah, Sarah Boye & Joseph Boako from the Theatre Studies Department, at the University of Education, Winneba.

Mr. Essilfie sees this production as one that will help establish Ghanaian choral music as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

Songs of Akotam will be staged at the National Theatre of Ghana, on Sunday the 5th of April at 4pm. Tickets for the concert go for only 50 cedis.

[choralmusicghana]

The Impact of Social Media on Ghanaian Choral Music: A Tool for Growth

The resurgence of choral music in Ghana in the last decade has been catapulted by the emergence of social media. Social media has helped many institutions and groups reach out to their audiences across boundaries. The Ghanaian choral music industry has benefited greatly from this innovation.

It's such a joy these days to hear of emerging choirs - even from backwaters - reaching out to the world with their musical talents through social media. 

Maya Dollarhide defined social media as 

"... computer-based technology that facilitates the sharing of ideas, thoughts, and information through the building of virtual networks and communities."

I really like this definition because it breaks down the concept into its constituent elements. There has been a recent proliferation of online communities through which Ghanaians engage in this new medium. Most of these are the major online hubs of social content: Facebook. Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and even YouTube.

The presence of choral groups on these sites suggests how important they have become to the choral music industry. Most choirs take social media more seriously than their traditional websites.

The days of people experiencing musical performances primarily through CDs, DVDs and cassettes at home or in cars - like was in my day - are behind us. When I was younger, I was privileged to hear the Winneba Youth Choir only on a visit to my reverend minister’s home. And that was because he owned a collection of their albums.

The tables have turned, and today we can all catch live performances of the Koforidua Youth Choir, Gramophone Chorus and many other groups without a sweat. The fact that many of us watched Harmonious Chorale represent Ghana at the most recent World Choir Games in South Africa on our phones and laptops was a game changer.

These days, more people are invited to concerts through social media than printed posters. The change has been amazing!

All this is very encouraging for the industry. It's necessary for choirs to increasingly distance themselves from obsolete modes of promoting their activities to fully embrace social media. Not only for communication, but also for profit, with quality content that draws in large, global audiences.

We’ve all witnessed stars emerge from obscurity because of the exposure social media gives them. To reiterate the fact: an investment in the social media game can pay off immensely when done right. I encourage all choirs, musicians and related groups to take social media seriously as a ground-breaking tool that can transform how we promote and profit from our choral industry.

Nii Adjetey Cleland,

Choral Music Ghana.