The Bahamas National Youth Choir is 20 years old and counting. Focus on Bahamian folk and popular music.
WHAT-TO-DO - NASSAU, CABLE BEACH & PARADISE ISLAND - JAN 2004 EDITION
For the past 20 years The Bahamas National Youth Choir has been enchanting audiences both at home and abroad with its colourful and lively performances.
The choir's repertoire focuses on Bahamian folk and popular music, but also includes traditional spirituals and classical selections that have been appreciated in virtually every corner of the globe.
Choir director and founder Cleophas R E Adderley says the high-calibre performances and the choir's worldwide reputation are the result of a steadfast labour of love spanning two decades. He describes the choir as a group of remarkable young individuals whose talent and dedication are the driving force behind its success.
"Once the (music) has captured them they become hooked," says Adderley. "They are so talented naturally. I'm just bringing out what God has given them."
Putting it all together
In 1983 Adderley was approached by The Bahamas government to form a national youth choir as part of the celebrations to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the nation's independence from Great Britain.
In the beginning the choir consisted of 77 members but this number was eventually reduced to an elite group of about 38.
Performances during the choir's early years were limited to local engagements. The choir performed at the US Embassy's July 4th celebrations, official Bahamas independence celebrations at Clifford Park and the old Poinciana Sports Arena, among others. Unfortunately, a lack of support forced the choir to disband.
In 1990 Adderley was invited to bring the choir back to life at the request of former Prime Minister the late Rt Hon Sir Lynden Pindling.
With financial backing and support from patrons, the choir was resurrected and received an overwhelming response from young Bahamians. The first audition attracted 130 hopefuls between the ages of 15 and 27. Only 36 made the final cut.
Who's who
After two years of local engagements, including a performance that aired on local television, an Evening of Christmas Music, and a performance in Freeport, Grand Bahama, the choir embarked on its first international tour, to Canada. This was followed by a string of performances in the US, England, Scotland, France, Russia, China, Mexico and the Caribbean. The choir has performed in 18 languages, including Japanese, Mandarin and six African tongues.
During their travels the singers have performed for a list of dignitaries, including former President of South Africa, Dr Nelson Mandela, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Cuban President Fidel Castro, to name a few. While performing for world leaders would give even the most seasoned performer a case of the jitters, Adderley explains that this is not the case with his choir.
"We have a standard which we have set high enough to perform on a level that's exemplary, no matter who's in the audience," he says.
Celebrating 20 years
To celebrate its 20th anniversary last year, the choir was joined by alumni and renowned soloists Joann Deveaux-Callender, Edward Hanna and Charles Zonicle, for a special performance that also commemorated The Bahamas' 30th anniversary of independence.
"It was wonderful to work again with the former choir members and it was a great opportunity for the younger members to see the fruits of their labour over the years," says Adderley. "They tangibly understand what it is I was trying to achieve (with the formation of the choir)."
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