By Prisca Sam-Duru

The occasion was the 6th Annual MTN Foundation-MUSON Scholars Donors’ appreciation Concert and surprisingly, the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON center venue was packed full with guests.

It is common for young Nigerians to grace occasions where Hip Pop stars like Tu Face, D’ Banj, P Square and the likes are entertaining but not classical music where they may find it difficult expressing their contemporary dance steps. More so, this music genre has for long been exclusively western and also regarded as music perceived to be for the mature mind.

But judging from the excellent performance by the MUSON School of Music last week, one would not be mistaken to say that Classical music show is gradually finding its way into the Nigerian Music industry.

It was amazing how the students played with so much passion while the audience watched with so much enthusiasm. They indeed wowed the audience, revealing a tip of what to expect from classical musicians in the near future.

classic music artistes performing

Undoubtedly, this crop of musicians would definitely turn the best with their combination of singing and handling of instruments unlike most of the hip pop stars now making waves in the music industry without the ability to play instruments.

First two performances by the MUSON School Chamber Orchestra were Toccata in A for Chamber Orchestra composed by William Hofeldt and Larghetto for Cello and Orchestra by Vivaldi, both conducted by Thomas Kanitz.

The sound of music and heart rendering voices of Vivian Ogbo, Elizabeth Olufa, Olumide Dada, Bunmi Soyemi were enough to lull one to sleep. They got some real oldies in the Hall, moving their bodies endlessly while seated.

All I ask of you by Andrew Lloyd Weber, a love song performance that paired Olumide Dada(Baritone) with elegant Elizabeth Olufa(Soprano) and Princewill Ubani a pianist and Deji Adekunle keyboardist was a very bold and composed number.

The emotional display of the duo was a narrative of the lyrics and they must be saluted for not being carried away by the cheers and applause from the excited audience. Aside giving the drama their best, their being gorgeously dressed and show of a significant level of technical mastery, I guess, endeared them the more to the audience.

The Y’hello Prelude by Alaba Ilesanmi was played by Evelyn Harry(Violin 1), David Etim(Violin 2), Irohinayo Macaulay(Viola), Omosowon Taiwo(Cello) and of course, the composer, Alaba Ilesanmi who played the Xylophone.

The display by MUSON Diploma School Band had Ghana Highlife composed and conducted by Lt Cmd. Chiafor(RTD) standing out. It was a master piece that attracted the most appreciation from the crowd.

The degree of interest and passion with which the Band performed, the enjoyable scenes witnessed during the concert as well as the level of appreciation they received from the audience truly showed that Nigeria is on its way to having a growing influence in classical music tradition.