The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

The Nassau City Opera company will honour men and women who sacrificed their lives for the good of the country during a National Remembrance Day Concert.

The concert features a performance of Verdi’s Requiem (Mass of the Dead) by Guiseppe Verdi. Under the patronage of Governor General Sir Arthur and Lady Joan Foulkes, the concert signifies a collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal British Legion (Bahamas Branch) and the Royal Society of St George. Featured, an Italian romantic composer. The event will be held at the Christ Church Cathedral on November 9.

This is the first time Verdi’s 138 year-old work is being performed by the Nassau City Opera Company. It will be presented by the Nassau City Opera Singers, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Choir as well as St Barnabas Church Choir.

“The musical accompaniment is made up of woodwind, brass and percussion musicians of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, as well as seven United States based musicians, on violins, violas, cellos and organ,” said Dr Cleveland Williams, NCO director.

“Though it is Verdi’s only large-scale work not intended for the stage, the Requiem is unashamedly theatrical in style. Verdi poured operatic drama into his Requiem, offering the drama of opera and the thrill of wonderful symphonic writing, combined with stellar, virtuosic solo moments,” said Dr Williams.

Verdi’s Requiem is fitting for the occasion, because it is the story of an Italian national hero Alessandro Manzoni, who died in 1873. Verdi was deeply affected by his death and decided to write a Requiem in Manzoni’s memory.

Dr Williams said the Requiem will commemorate the many Bahamian World War I & II heroes and the four Bahamian marines, Fenrick Sturrup, Austin Smith, David Tucker and Edward Williams, whose lives were tragically lost when the HMBS Flamingo was attacked by Cuban MIGS off Ragged Island on May 10, 1980. He said the event will also honour the lives of police men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty and service to the country.

“This performance is in dedication to the memories and outstanding contribution of the brave Bahamian sons and daughters, who have laid their lives down, paying the ultimate sacrifice to enable us to enjoy freedom from tyranny,” Dr Williams told Tribune Entertainment.

Part of the proceeds will also support the Veterans Medical Fund of the Royal British Legion (Bahamas Branch).

In the past, the Nassau City Opera Company has held several renowned performances including “Porgy and Bess”. With more performances like Porgy & Bess, and Verdi Requiem on the way, Dr Williams said the group is committed to presenting extraordinary performances.  

“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Bahamas by performing outstanding artistic productions such as operas, oratorios and requiems. We also seek to provide the foundation and training, whereby promising young Bahamian artists can build and develop themselves artistically and professionally as singers,” he said.

Tickets for the event are available at the Dundas Civic Centre.