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Rodari Simpson is a fan of Caribbean musicians, one of no doubt millions around the world. He says,
“I have always felt that Caribbean musicians and composers come with a special vibrance of sound that has not been given the platform it needs,” Simpson explained.
His admiration is of special importance for many reasons. First, his interest in music is professional, and while at The University of the West Indies. Mona, he began formal training in music with one of Jamaica’s most celebrated practitioners, Noel Dexter.
After migrating to the USA, he pursued a degree programme in music and accounting at CUNY York College, subsequently completing studies at the New York University School of Business. Now a sought-after, internationally acclaimed tenor, he has gained a reputation for “his rich, warm, colourful voice”.
But of most importance to the development of classical music in Jamaica is the fact that this year, Simpson, the founder and music director of The Concert Chorale of Harlem (TCCH), teamed up with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica (POJ) for what Andrew Ho, executive director of the POJ, called “a prestigious event”.
Part one of the event was a music workshop held July 25-27. It was conducted by Simpson, other TCCH singers and leader Dr Tyrone Clinton, who focused on special techniques for musicians accompanying singers in an opera. Some 20 members of the POJ, as well as musicians from other institutions, attended. In the main, the workshop was a preparation for the concert Éclat Opéra to be staged by the POJ and TCCH on Saturday and Sunday at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue.
Calling the collaboration a godsend, Ho emailed me information with the caveat, “We usually do not publicise the programme items before the concert so as to keep a degree of suspense and anticipation.”
Ho wrote: “The programme will contain timeless opera favourites such as Verdi’s Drinking Song from La Traviata, items from Puccini’s Tosca and the popular sextet from Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti. There will also be a delightful instrumental duet with flute and oboe accompanied by piano.”
He shared that the second half will have an entertaining mix of jazz, Broadway and signature musical items from the POJ’s repertoire. The programme will showcase singers in the US group, some of whom have been recognised by the Recording Academy, the body which hands out the Grammy Awards.
In an email, Franklin Halliburton, musical director and conductor of the POJ, stated that this musical feast “promises to shatter the glass ceiling of our expectations and norms”.
English (US) ·