The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

Tribune Education Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN choral music took center stage in Zurich, Switzerland, as the Bel Canto Singers delivered a 90-minute concert marking The Bahamas' 53rd Independence anniversary before diplomats, members of the diaspora and invited guests.

The concert, titled "Music for All Times," was held at St Andrew's Anglican Church under the patronage of Her Excellency Patricia Hermanns, The Bahamas' ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.

Conducted by Eldridge McPhee and accompanied by Demetrius Delancy, the volunteer choir performed a programme that blended sacred music, inspirational favourites and Bahamian classics, highlighting the country's rich musical heritage during the Independence celebrations.

The evening opened with performances of the Swiss and Bahamian national anthems by an orchestra of Zurich-based musicians before Ambassador Hermanns welcomed guests with remarks reflecting on The Bahamas' achievements since Independence, including contributions in the arts, science, sports and the professions.

The choir began its performance with the hymn How Great Thou Art and concluded with It Is Well with My Soul, performing a repertoire that included Day and Night Praise, The Road Home, Stand Up, Glory, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Hallelujah and Jehovah Sabaoth.

The programme also celebrated Bahamian musical traditions through performances of Go Down to Bimini, Brown Skin Gal and When the Road Seems Rough. Several selections featured arrangements by Bahamian musicians Stanley Thurston, K Quincy Parker and Eugene Rodgers, as well as works by the late Andrew Curry and the late E Clement Bethel.

According to organizers, the appreciative audience, which included members of the Bahamian diaspora, responded enthusiastically throughout the performance, particularly during the closing selections.

The Bel Canto Singers comprise volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, including students, professionals and retirees. Under the leadership of Mr McPhee, the choir regularly performs concerts in Nassau, including its annual Christmas concert, and has previously represented The Bahamas in Canada, China, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Zurich performance was made possible with the support of St Andrew's Anglican Church, including Vicar Rev Jackie Sellin, Director of Music Shaun Yong and the church's technical team.

Ahead of the concert, members of the Bahamian diaspora hosted the choir and accompanying musicians for a welcome reception following the dress rehearsal, while Ambassador Hermanns later hosted a post-concert reception at the Park Hyatt Zurich for the choir, diaspora members and invited guests to conclude the Independence celebration.