By Japhet Alakam

Music lovers especially lovers of the art music produced in, or rooted in the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music otherwise known as classical music were last Monday treated to a scintillating session of what would be described as a harvest of songs by the graduating students of the Muson School of Music.

The concert tagged, Diploma Graduation Concert which was put together by the MTN Foundation and the Muson School of Music as part of activities marking the 4th graduation ceremony of the school was held at the Agip Recital Hall of the Muson Center Onikan.

The graduating students performing during the concert

To those who thought that the era of such genre of music which is mostly enjoyed by the elderly and few young people will go into extinct especially with the way Nigerian youths embrace the hip hop, rap and other indigenous musics, the kind of superb performance put up by the students is a clear indication that the end is still very far from sight.

The event kicked off around 6.20 pm with a melodious presentation of the harmonized version of the national anthem by Emeka Nwokedi after which the students rendered the school anthem as directed by Koyode Ibiayo.

Hour of demonstration

And after that, the String quartet of Dare Ogunsanya, Victoria Adeika, Seun Aborishade and Olabanji rendered the Mozart in G. major by W.A. Mozart to the delight of the audience. They were followed by tenor exponent David Joshua who demonstrated what he learnt in the last two years in the school.

The tempo continued like that until the time Enyi Prisca, a lyric coloratura suprano known for her Belcenta singing technique and interpretation of music with the backing of Pianist Tunde Sosan put up a creative performance of the song Agitata by Vivaldi. It was so electrifying as she used both her voice and body demonstration to thrill the listeners , an action that received a thunderous applause from the audience.

A special presentation by the graduating students

Another scene that changed the tempo was when Tosin Ajayi and group performed the song, A Long Walk by Jill Scoth as re arranged by Philip Uzo. It was so thrilling as the lady proved to the audience that they can sing in ordinary tunes apart from the classical way and the audience as well joined them.

Other songs performed included; the Chamber Orchestra, Yellow is Beautiful conducted by Philip Uzor and another Chamber Orchestra, Thank You MTNF, conducted by Jerry Gozie. In the song, the harmonious combination of instrument by the students produced excellent vibes that thrilled the audience.

There was also the special production, The Heavens are telling, a wonderful performance that involved all the students and was conducted by Emeka Nwokedi. It was spectacular as all the graduating students played their roles to the delight of the audience, something that reminded all of the choristers of the good old days when men have the fear of God.

The graduating students numbering about 29 came out in groups of 3,5, 6 and some more and in all demonstrated with good mastery of the various instruments like the guitar, saxophone, violin Keyboards, piano, trumpet, clarinet and vocals in sophisticated ways with songs and wonderful performances that electrified and touched the audiences emotionally.

At the end of the almost 3 hours show , it was all smiles on the faces of the teachers and parents of the students as the students demonstrated that they are focused in their callings.