Some of the nation’s most gifted young singers and notable musicians are now in the full of swing of their preparations to showcase to the public a production that’s guaranteed to entertain, captivate and thrill the hearts of music lovers and theatrical enthusiasts.
Under the distinguished patronage of the Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, GCMG,the world renowned Bahamas National Youth Choir (BNYC) will host its 27th Annual concert season from April 5th - 8th 2017 at the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.
The repertoire includes performances from popular Broadway musicals like The Wiz and the award nominated theatre classic, Porgy & Bess. Patrons will also be mesmerized by classical & spiritual arrangements from a variety of composers, which include favorites like Dan Forrest, the late Jack Halloran and the Grammy Award winning composer René Clausen. This highly anticipated concert season, also features an array of popular Bahamian folk songs, African musical arrangements and much more.
This year’s guest artist is The Bahamas’ very own, Mr. Dana Knowles. He’s a seasoned Baritone who has been singing since the age five. During his career, Knowles performed on stage locally in a variety of successful Bahamian musicals and classical productions. Knowles, who has also showcased his talents on the international stage, is touted for his brilliant high register and rich vocal abilities.
The Bahamas National Youth Choir was established in 1983 and re-established in 1990. Since its inception, hundreds of young persons have passed through the Choir’s program. Today, they continue to contribute to the stability and advancement of our Bahamas as lawyers, doctors, business experts, bankers, teachers, police and defense force personnel, engineers, pharmacists, journalists, accountants and civil servants. Through the medium of the arts, the Choir provides opportunities for self-growth, development and training as it continues to create responsible and confident citizens while building an enduring national cultural institution. The choir has become well known for a repertoire that showcases both the vocal talent and engaging stage presence of its members. The choristers comprise of students and young professionals between the ages of 15 and 25.
The founder and artistic director of the choir is Mr. Cleophas R.E. Adderley, OBE a distinguished Bahamian musician and composer. Under his able leadership, this highly acclaimed choir has performed in the presence of notable world figures including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (U.K.), the late Dr. Nelson Mandela former President of South Africa, Their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex (U. K.), internationally acclaimed actor Sir Sidney Poitier and many other distinguished persons including Heads of State and acclaimed celebrities (the late Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, B. B. Wynans).
As a national cultural entity, the Choir is able to tour internationally due to subsidies from the government of The Bahamas, the generous support of the patrons of these events and donations from the corporate community. The BNYC has toured and given performances in twenty-eight countries on four continents including The United States of America, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Germany, The Dominican Republic, the Republic of Haiti, Trinidad, Belize, Roatán Honduras, Grand Cayman, China, South Africa, and Swaziland. They have also sung in twenty-five languages including German, French, Spanish, Mandarin, Hungarian, Italian and five African languages.
The BNYC is the recipient of many awards including two awards for outstanding work at The Seventh China International Chorus Festival in Wuxi, China; two silver medals at The World Choir Games in Gratz, Austria; two gold and a silver medals at the 2012 World Choir Games, U. S. A; The Silver Jubilee Award of The Bahamas; The Cacique Award (Performing Arts – Bahamas Ministry of Tourism), Proclamations from the Mayors of Newark, New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angles, and the Keys to the City of Miami.
In celebration of BNYC’s opening night, a Gala Reception will be held on Wednesday, April 5th. Patrons will be treated to uplifting music in addition to wine and hors d’oeuvres.
The public is encouraged to come out and support our youth who are dedicating their lives and talents to inspire positivity among our young people as they proudly represent The Bahamas and its culture in the international arena each and every year.
The Bahamas National Youth Choir
