Yinka Olatunbosun
The 1741 composition by George Friedrich Handel titled ‘Messiah’ is set to be one of the highlights of this year’s edition of MUSON Festival which kicked off on October 20. First performed in Dublin on April 13 1742, Messiah is one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
Conducted by Sir Emeka Nwokedi, the MUSON Choir and Orchestra will be performing this classic on the last day of the festival on Sunday, October 29. The oratorio will have as guest soloist, Francesca Chiejina, an alumnus of MUSON School of Music who is one of the most sought after sopranos on the global stage.
While addressing a handful of journalists at the MUSON Centre, Onikan Lagos, the Chairman of MUSON, Louis Mbanefo, SAN revealed that the festival is a commemorative one to mark the 40th anniversary of the Music Society of Nigeria (MUSON). In addition, the festival which has as theme ‘Resilience’ is set to honour patrons and the founding fathers of the music society.
“On MUSON Day event on the 25th October, we shall be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the founding MUSON by our founding fathers and mothers. We have amply demonstrated the spirit of resilience, for despite all the vicissitudes of life in Nigeria, MUSON continues to thrive and to progress from strength to strength – a shining example of what can be achieved by Nigerians.”
The Festival, will honour the legacies of two Centenarians, who were instrumental to MUSON’s existence but passed away in September 2023.
“Mr. Akintola Williams who celebrated his 104th birthday on the 9th August passed away on 11th September whilst Sir. Mervyn Brown who celebrated his 100th birthday on 24th September passed away two days later,’’ he revealed.
It was formed by a group of friends, including Mr. Akintola Williams, Late Chief Ayo Rosiji, Late Mrs. Francesca Emanuel and Late Chief Rasheed Gbadamosi and Mr. Louis Mbanefo in 1983 with the main objective of promoting the performance, understanding and enjoyment of serious music.
Despite the criticism against promoting classical music, MUSON had been consistent with concerts since 1984, showcasing thoroughbred performers. Over the years, MUSON has developed two Schools of Music – the Basic School which provides musical education in the theory of performance of musical instruments for Nigerians of all ages, and the Diploma School, a two-year programme in theory and instrumental performance with scholarships by the MTN Foundation. This diploma programme is accredited by the Ministry of Education and the music examination Board in England. Mention employment, throughout their lives.
The MUSON Choir, which has won gold medals at international competitions, travelled to Greece last year and performed to a distinguished audience. And we have a Symphony Orchestra which is conducted in regular concerts by a visiting German maestro Walter-Michael Vollhardt.
The festival will also feature art exhibition with focus on the legendary artist, Bruce Onobrakpeya while the epic drama ‘Efunsetan Aniwura’ by Akinwunmi Sedan is selected for Chevron Festival Drama.
Other staples include musical brunch – My Kind of Music – MUSON Day celebration concert and Danjuma Opera ‘Pagliacci’ by Rugerro Leoncavallo.
The main innovation in the festival will be “Collabo – Music Meets Technology.” This segment will provide expert’s insight into how creatives to boost income and contribute to the nation’s economy.
