NCOJ opens November Season with ‘Vivaldi’s Gloria’
Published:Thursday | November 9, 2023 | 12:07 AM
The musical diversity of the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) will again be on show as it raises the curtain on its November season on Sunday, November 19 with the works of Italian composer and violinist, Antonio Vivaldi.
The concerts, under the distinguished patronage of Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall, are scheduled for the Hope United Church in Kingston – the first is a matinee performance at 4 p.m. and a second at 7 p.m.
The composer’s notable work titled Vivaldi’s Gloria will feature accomplished vocalists – Mezzo Soprano Christine MacDonald and Soprano Yanique Leiba. The Chorale will be under the direction of Musical Conductor Winston Ewart, with accompanist on keyboard Stephen Shaw Naar.
Vivaldi was an Italian composer and violinist born in Venice on March 4, 1678, and learned violin from his father. He is considered one of the greatest Baroque composers, and his influence was widespread across Europe. He is best known for his concertos, especially The Four Seasons. He died in Vienna on July 28, 1741.
Preceding Vivaldi’s featured work, part one of the musical presentation will see Yanique Leiba performing La Vergine degli Angeli by Verdi with the Male Chorus; I Feel Pretty from the Broadway production West Side Story by Bernstein; Christine MacDonald will perform the aria What Shall I do Without Eurygice from Orfeo by Gluck.
On the announcement by the Government of Jamaica for November to be recognised as National Youth Month, Ewart has extended an invitation to high schools to attend the matinee concert.
“Children need to be exposed to genres of music to broaden their perspective as a part of their educational development,” Ewart said, as he highlighted the Jamaica National Group’s assistance in bringing this season to life.