Sir Willard White to perform at benefit concert

"This place connects with my heart," said Sir Willard White in reference to his country, Jamaica, at a recent press launch held in his honour at King's House.

The international bass-baritone operatic performer was a student at the then Jamaica School of Music where he harnessed his musical talents and built a solid foundation that formed the basis for his studies at Julliard and later his outstanding career. In his address to the expectant attendees, he highlighted how pleased he was to be able to assist the college through the efforts of its Arts Foundation and noted that he had longed to return for a homecoming performance.

Sir Willard gets his wish on Sunday at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, beginning at 6 p.m.

The bass-baritone is honoured to be performing for charity in his home country and is excited about investing in the nation's future creative professionals.

In aid of students

His performance forms part of the School of Music's 50th anniversary celebrations. The Arts Foundation of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts is an independent entity that garners financial aid for struggling students enrolled within the five schools at the college.

This particular initiative will be held under the distinguished patronage of the governor general and Lady Allen.

Chair of the Foundation, Pat Ramsay, noted that Sir Willard's achievements are to be used as a benchmark for what can be realised through the arts. "Jamaicans are naturally talented in the arts and when this natural talent is enhanced through training, our people achieve and exceed world-class standards.

"Sir Willard is an example of outstanding Jamaicans who have honed their craft to unimaginable levels on the international market. His impressive repertoire should be emulated by young people who are serious about developing their respective creative disciplines," she said.

In attendance at the launch were the deputy governor general and custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller, and his wife, Sonia Fuller; British High Commissioner Howard Drake and Gill Drake; chairman of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts board, Paul Issa; Principal Burchel Duhaney; media personnel and sponsors of the event.

More than 15 corporate citizens from the banking, betting, hospitality, food and beverage industries, as well as the media, have supported the effort through sponsorship.

Sir Willard received the Gold Musgrave Medal from the Institute of Jamaica and also the Jamaica Order of Merit - the third highest honour in Jamaica.

Tickets are available at The Pegasus Gallery at a cost of $7,000. There will also be an after-concert dinner. Tickets for the concert in combination with the dinner cost $13,000.