Michael Reckord, Gleaner Writer

Roger Williams - File

We are going through some critical times as it relates to classical music in Jamaica. As educators and musicians, we believe the time has come for us to come together to bring this art form to a different level.

This is part of a statement from the programme notes for a recital, An Evening of Chamber Music, staged in the School of Music auditorium, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts (EMCVPA), last week Sunday. The we of the declaration refers to pianist Roger Williams, director of the School of Music, and clarinetist Rafael Salazar, a lecturer at the EMCvpa and Northern Caribbean University (NCU), Mandeville.

Both performed at the concert, along with soprano Lori Johnson, who also lectures at the EMCVPA. Also slated to perform though he didnt make it was cellist Jose Carlos Oxamendi Vicet.

What Williams and Salazar have decided to do to counteract the perceived critical times is to embark upon a series of chamber music concerts to foster an appreciation for this art form across Jamaica and the Caribbean. They hope other classical musicians will follow suit.

Sundays recital marked the launch of the series, which is the first of its kind, the organisers claim. The second in the series will be held at the NCU on November 1.

Lectures to students will be part of the promotional strategy, another aim of which is to expose the great talent that we (Jamaica) have been hiding so far too long in classical music. The twin objectives of offering Jamaica classical music and helping to foster talent was met last week Sunday, as the audience included music students.

Of course, the exercise would have failed if what was offered had been of poor quality or if it had not been enjoyed. Fortunately, that was not the case.

The audience was enthusiastic throughout the concert and this was shown by frequent applause, while at the end many expressed their delight at the music, both among themselves and to the musicians. This reviewer had to wait until Johnson signed a number of autographs before getting a chance to speak to her.

She provided a resume which stated in part that she at a very tender age realised her God-given talent and decided to pursue a career in music at the Edna Manley College. After graduating, she attended Fredonia University (SUNY), where she gained a Bachelor of Music. She has performed roles from [several] operasÃas a soloist and in chamber groups, both nationally and internationally, as well as recitals and master classes.

love songs

The four love songs by Schubert, Mozart, Alban Berg and Richard Strauss which she sang in her clear, wonderfully controlled, expressive voice drew great applause. Still, for her operatic rendition of the Peter Ashbourne-arranged Jamaican folk song Long Time Gal, there was a special enthusiasm.

Williams and Salazar also got their share of applause and cheers as they accompanied Johnson or performed together, with consummate artistry, pieces by Weber (Grand Duo Concertant, Op. 48), Messager (Solo de Concours), Juan Jorge Junco (Edmme Danza), Paquito D.Rivera (Vals Venezolano) and Francis Poulenc (Sonata for Clarinet and Piano).

The names of the musicians suggest the variety of styles of music played. Additionally, such was the care that went into the selection that there was also a variety of moods.

Those attending future recitals in the series are in for delightful evenings, especially if Jose Carlos turns up. He is as professional and experienced the others. A Cuban national, he started studying music at age four years old; first the piano, then the cello and the bass. He played for 10 years with the Mantanza Symphony Orchestra and has participated in numerous festivals in the region and Spain.

Salazar, who is also from Cuba, graduated from the Conservatorio de Musica Esteban Salas in Santiago as a clarinet teacher and performer. He then became a member of Santiagos Orquestra Sinfonica de Oriente. Since arriving in Jamaica, in 1977, he has performed extensively here, in Europe and Greece. He was the only musician from this region at the most recent European Classical Music festival.

trained in Jamaica

Williams was trained in Jamaica and the United States of America and holds two degrees, a Bachelor of Music (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Southern Maine and a Master of Music from Butler University, both in piano performance. A music educator, arranger, choral conductor and performer, he has received numerous music awards and has played in the region and the USA.

It is unlikely that the patrons at the concert scheduled for cool Mandeville next month will be in the situation of Sundays audience. The more its members warmed to the music, the higher the temperature in the auditorium rose and things got a little uncomfortable.

Lori Johnson. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer