Lagos City Chorale in Exquisite Performance of Haydn’s Creation

With the Creation by an Austrian Classical Composer- Joseph Haydn, the Lagos City Chorale once more proved its mettle as a choir of high international repute with the exquisite presentation of the world’s favourite Oratorios. Adedayo Adejobi writes

The Lagos City Chorale once more proved its mettle as a choir of high international repute with the exquisite presentation of the world’s favourite Oratorios – The Creation by an Austrian Classical Composer – Joseph Haydn. The performance which was recently held in a space of two weeks in two different locations in Lagos; All Saints Church, Yaba and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH), Victoria Island, drew the largest audience of classical music enthusiasts in recent times.

At the first presentation at All Saints Church, Yaba, the main auditorium and the gallery were full to capacity with enthusiastic and appreciative audience. In attendance were dignitaries such as Dr. Christopher Kolade, Chief Olu Okeowo, Chief Sony Kuku, Sir Demola Aladekomo, Rt. Rev. Pelu Johnson, Chief Akin George and a host of others. While at OLPH, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chief Philip Asiodu, Mrs. Francesa Emmanuel, Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) Akinluyi, Mrs. Maiden Ibru, Dr. (Mrs.) Femi Akinkugbe were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

The choir, accompanied by a chamber orchestra with seasoned soloists re-enacted in a musical setting, the story of God’s creation of the world as recorded first in the book of the Holy Bible called Genesis.
The performance began with an overture played by the Orchestra lead by Kehinde Davies. Then emerged Angel Raphael (ably acted by Dennis Adeoti) with a recitative “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, and the earth was without form and void.” After this first recitation, the chorus enters sotto-voce with the lyrics, “And the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters; and God said, Let there be light, and there was light. The chorus and the instruments reached a climactic fortissimo with a bang on the word ‘Light”.

Various recitations, arias and choruses followed in series narrating various scenes in God’s creation of the world. The first part ended with a popular Chorus; “The heavens are telling the glory of God” which was thunderously rendered by an enlarged choir co-opted from the audience.
In part 2, the three angels, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael were joined in beautiful rendition of trios, alternating with choruses in some sections. This part rounded off with a rousing chorus “Achieved is the glorious work”.
The creation of man in part three was most interesting as Adam and Eve were seen expressing deep love and admiring each other as they sang the duet “By Thee with Bliss and Graceful Consort”. The Last Chorus, “Sing the Lord, ye voices all” was equally thunderous with a rousing climax that prompted a thunderous standing ovation by the appreciative audience.

The Soloists in the performance were spectacular. They are Nonso Njoku (Soprano), who played the role of Angel Gabriel, Ifunanya Anekwe (Soprano), doubled as Angel Gabriel in the second performance. Others include Deborah Awunor (Soprano) who played the role of Eve, Angela Izegbu (soprano), played the role of Eve in the second performance, Duke Asuquo (a prolific tenor) played the role of Uriel, Guchi Egbunine aka Chief Tenor, acted Uriel in the second performance. Dennis Adeoti who played the role of Angel Raphael with a well resonated bass voice, was a pleasant surprise to the audience, while Diominic Etim who played Adam gave a good account of his baritone voice. On the organ was Tobi Balogun while Alaba Akinselure manned the keyboard.

Most attendees including the special guests posited that the Conductor, Maestro, Sir Emeka Nwokedi and the team were a beauty to behold as they perfectly controlled the large ensemble of the Choir and Orchestra, craftly moudling each segment of the performance to bring out the best interpretation.

Lagos City Chorale has travelled to many parts of the world to participate in various global cultural festivals and music competitions, winning several laurels for Nigeria. Her participation has sufficiently rebranded Nigeria globally and showcased her positive abilities, and also represents Nigeria’s contribution to fostering peace and harmony in the world through harmonious choral music as a Nigerian Choir (LCC) sings in unison and harmony with choirs from other nations of the world.