“May 7th is the birthday of Cleophas R.E. Adderley, founder of the Choir and the current choir along with members who have passed through this entity will celebrate in our special way Mr. Adderley’s life in song”, said Fernander.
The event is entitled “This is my story this is my song” hymns modern and ancient. “It is important to remember for ‘whence we came’ and this event will highlight descants arranged by Mr. Adderley.” Mr. Adderley was not only a Choir director but an excellent pianist, organist and composer.
The descants in the hymn festival he stated were written by Mr. Adderley for high feast days in the liturgical calendar as well as important events in Bahamian History.
“The second descant to be sung was arranged for the combine choir used for the State Funeral of the Bahamas’ first Prime Minister- the Late Sir Lynden Pindling.”
Hymnodies have been used over many generations to Glorify God – soli Deo gloria! As well as to encourage believers in the faith by singing hymns.
The Scriptures bid us to do so: “…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:19 – 20 NRSV).
The BNYC was established in 1983 under the direction of its founder the late Cleophas R.E. Adderley, OBE as a part of the celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of Bahamian independence.
Over the years the choir has toured and given performances in twenty-eight countries on four continents including The United States, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Germany, Trinidad, Belize, Mexico, 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 Director and members of BNYC are grateful to Reverend Samuel Boodle and the congregation of the Lutheran Church for their support of The Choir, and to all others who have helped to make this performance possible.
When asked why The Lutheran Church was selection, Director Fernander stated that the church has excellent acoustics and is literally walking distance from Mr. Adderley’s home.
“Many great performances in my younger days were held at this church and I am pleased to see events return there.”
During the late 70s and early 80s the Trinity College of Music piano and organ examinations were held at this venue.
There is no admission cost, however, individuals are encourage to bring their laughter, their fond memories of Mr. Adderley as well as a love offering to assist the work of the Bahamas National Youth Choir.
