Three of Barbados’ leading choral ensembles will join forces on Sunday, June 7, for a special fundraising concert aimed at supporting two worthy causes, while showcasing the island’s rich musical talent.
The festival, entitled We Have a Gospel to Proclaim, will take place at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Bridgetown from 6 p.m. and will feature performances by the St Mary’s Augmented Choir, The Clarion Singers, and The Myriad Singers of Barbados, as well as selections performed by a combined mass choir.
The collaborative effort brings together the St Mary’s Augmented Choir under the direction of Akhanni Drakes, The Clarion Singers led by Derek Marshall, and The Myriad Singers of Barbados directed by John Bryan. The concert will also feature musical accompaniment from members of the 441 Clarinet Ensemble, the Barbados String Quartet, and trumpeters from the Barbados Defence Force Band.
The Myriad Singers (PR)
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Barbados Cancer Society and the St. Mary’s Church Roof Restoration Project.
According to organisers, the idea for the concert emerged from a longstanding desire among the three choir directors to collaborate on a major musical programme, while making a meaningful contribution to the community.
“We have wanted to bring our choirs together for some time, and we felt this was the right moment to make it happen,” said Derek Marshall, director of The Clarion Singers. “Beyond presenting excellent choral music, we wanted the concert to serve a greater purpose. By supporting both the Barbados Cancer Society and the restoration of St Mary’s Church, we hope to demonstrate how music can unite people around causes that matter. We also see this festival as the beginning of many future collaborations involving even more musicians and charitable initiatives.”Audience members can expect an evening of sacred and inspirational music performed by more than one choir, culminating in massed choral presentations that highlight the power and beauty of collective voices.
Organisers hope the festival will establish a tradition of collaborative performances among Barbados’ musical ensembles while creating opportunities to support community-based projects and charitable organisations.
Tickets cost $50 and are available from members of the participating choirs. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early and support what organisers describe as the first of many collaborative musical and charitable ventures. (PR)
