Members of Northern Caribbean University Choir in performance at Ward Theatre. - Winston Sill By Justin Whyte,
Entertainment Editor
A 'PLEASANT Sunday' is a concert which is usually held in rural villages across Jamaica. It's a time when everyone dons his Sunday best, sometimes dress with a comical look and head to the schoolroom or community building for an evening of rollicking fun.
However, the 'Pleasant Sunday' event last weekend at the Ward Theatre lacked the usual belly-laughs. There was no 'Miss Mattie' attired in shocking colours, two different coloured stockings, no protruding dentures, no oversized hand bags, no broad-rimmed hat, or no eye-glasses perched on the nose.
According to heritage experts, the soloist at such an event would sing as well as use his voice to make the sounds of various instruments. But that was not the case last Sunday.
Instead, the Ward Theatre Foundation presented a more contemporary version of the rural tradition.
Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, in launching the series, which is to be a monthly affair, extolled the virtues of the venture and said he hoped it will inspire and rekindle the old days, when everyone appreciated each other.
Wycliffe Bennett, chairman of the Ward Foundation, spoke with great passion about the idea, which is the brain-child of Ted Dwyer, manager at the Ward Theatre.
The programme presented was basically choral in nature. It was a programme which catered to a variety of moods and suited the occasion. However, for interest, it is advisable to keep the programme to an-hour-and-a-half in length, with a climax which will leave a last impression on the audience.
Two choirs featured were: The National Chorale of Jamaica and the Northern Caribbean University Choir. Both were outstanding. Some of the items presented by the National Chorale were delightful. Nonetheless, it is the opinion of many persons in attendance that they examine their present repertoire.
The balance was not always good. For example, the tenors had the tendency to shout and the altos too sedate and sometimes had too dark a tone. The women of the first soprano should be careful of nasal tone production and their top notes were often untrue. The most interesting presentations were Thy Guiding Hand by Clarence Dickinson and the Lord's Prayer by Eric Levy.
Of stark contrast, although younger in age, was the Northern Caribbean University Choir, directed by Daniel Rodriques. Their presentations were fresh, exciting; performed with much vigour and urgency of purpose. Some of the pieces were pious, but presented as works of intense and intimate beauty.
The choir, though well-balanced in instances, suffered, when the tenors and basses were paralysed by the over-zealous sopranos. The presentations throughout the various pieces showed cohesiveness and warmth.
Their award-winning pieces included Sing Shout Jubilate, by David Augerman, Sanctus (Holy Is the Lord), Now Sing We Joyful Unto God, by Gordon Young and The Pilgrim's Chorus by Richard Wagner.
The instrumental ensemble, which comprised brothers Nathan Griffiths, violinist; Andrew Griffiths, cellist and Lennoi Anderson, pianist, demonstrated a deep type of artistic sensibility which enhanced the choir's presentations and added another dimension.
The Tivoli Dancers presented two contrasting pieces, Ritu Rhythm and Homage. Both were well presented. The group has consciously developed a sense of timing which intensifies the presentations and, in particular, interpretations.
Carole Reid's renditions of He's Got The Whole World and Amazing Grace were facilitated by her extended coloratura, which enhanced the agility with which she executed her phrases.
Yvonne Miller performed On My Journey Lord, stylistically, except that it lacked the appropriate instrumental support.
The ever popular Holy City or Jerusalem as it is commonly known, received a new breath of life by Di Mario McDowell's treatment. He maintained the audience's interest and at the end they lost their composure, screamed and applauded.
His offering of To God Be The Glory, with superb accompaniment by Marjorie Whylie, was equally good.
Jasmine Holness and Edmund Carter of the National Chorale gave an interesting presentation of My Tribute.
Maurice Wilson also sang from Handel's Messiah. The programme was well guided by Yvonne Chin of TVJ.
