The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE LADIES of Lee are making their way to the Bahamas to engage in ministerial activities and community service next week.

Travelling oversees to spread love and hope is not a foreign concept to the 40-member ensemble from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

They have been travelling for over 20 years, and their past missions to the Bahamas have been particularly rewarding for the group, said Samita Ferguson, organiser of the group’s visit to Nassau and member of the Church of God of Prophecy Love

“Although they are coming over for spring break, the main purpose of the Ladies of Lee’s time in the Bahamas is ministerial and community service. That is what they really want to engage in and give back to the community while they are here,” she told Tribune Religion.

The Ladies of Lee will perform at the Church of God of Prophecy Love Centre on Sunday, at Government High School on Monday and at Kingsway Academy on Tuesday.

They will also engage in community service at the Ranfurly Homes for Children and the Elizabeth Estates Home for Children on Tuesday, in addition to performing at the Faith Temple Ministries and paying a courtesy call on Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes.

“While here they are going to have their fun and enjoy our tranquillity, but the mere fact that they want to engage with youth in particular is something great,” said Ms Ferguson.

“I know one of their main focus is to conduct a workshop here from a musical or empowerment perspective at the schools. Their interaction with the children at the homes will be very beneficial.

“I want to encourage people to come out and show their support. I believe the Ladies of Lee’s performances will be worth it,” Ms Ferguson said.

The ensemble is headed by Loralee Songer, who is an active singer, teacher, conductor and music scholar. The group was formed in 1965 to minister through singing and service.

Among the opera roles Dr Songer has performed are Julius Caesar (“Giulio Cesare”), Belinda (“Dido and Aeneas”), Suzuki (“Madame Butterfly”), Second Lady (“Die Zauberfl�te”), Geraldine (“A Hand of Bridge”) and Lola (“Gallantry”).

She also created the role of the French mother in the world premiere of Jody Nagel’s “53rd Street” opera. In 2009, she was selected through national auditions to participate in OperaWorks, an intensive training programme for emerging artists, with renowned coach Ann Baltz. Dr Songer has worked with some of the most prolific coaches and composers, including Jake Heggie, John Musto, Libby Larsen, William Bolcom, Margo Garrett, Graham Johnson and Martin Katz.

A full-time voice faculty member at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, Dr Songer teaches applied voice, conducting, and is the director of the women’s ensemble Ladies of Lee.