University Singers for Joyful Eastertide

Published: Saturday | April 11, 2009


The chapel at the University of the West Indies, Mona, will resonate tomorrow starting at 5 p.m. with the melodious voices of past and present members of the University Singers, as they present This Joyful Eastertide.

Now in its third year, the recital will showcase sacred music from traditional composers such as Beethoven, Handel and Fettke, and contemporary composers, including Brodszky and Tschenokoff, among others. In addition to the mostly solo renditions are duets and presentations from the choir itself.

This year's main singers are soloists Roy Thompson, Monique Sloley, Murphey Osbourne, Yasine Gray and Shawna Kay James, Warren Thompson, Althea McKenzie, Marcelle Thomas, Stacy Adams, Donna-Marie Rostant, Franklin Halliburton, Djenne Greaves, Carolyn Reid-Cameron, Rushane Cameron, Jhana Williams, Charles Moore, Rochelle Brooks and Kester Bailey. Christine McDonald-Nevers and Rory Frankson are the two past members who will grace the air with their virtuosity.

McDonald-Nevers, a 13-year veteran of the University Singers, has emerged as one of Jamaica's leading contraltos having been singing since her childhood days. Influenced by her mother, herself a distinguished mezzo-soprano, McDonald-Nevers is now the musical director of the Jamaica Folk Singers. Tomorrow morning she will sing I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, I Believe, My Lawd What A Mawnin' and I Feel The Spirit Moving.

Frankson, who sang with the University Singers from 1999 to 2003, will sing Panis Angelicus, The Holy City and I'll Walk With God. He is also a member of the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company, performing in several musicals with the group. This versatile baritone now sings extensively, locally and regionally.