A GLOBAL FEEL TO MODEL CONCERT
SLIGO INTERCULTURAL FORUM HOSTS AN INTERNATIONAL NIGHT OF MUSIC, SONG AND DANCE
A wonderful evening of music, song, dance and poetry was recently ( Saturday 19th) in the Model, Sligo.
Sligo Intercultural Forum hosted an international concert that delighted all who attended, with Chairperson Nike Ogun launching the special occasion.
There was a great turn out on the night, with the theatre full to capacity.
The concert was a celebration of culture with 9 different nationalities taking part, from Russia, Korea, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ireland, Germany, Venezuela, India, and Cameroon.
The talent and variety of artistic styles was fantastic, with all participants giving their time and skills freely on the night.
The evening’s entertainment included a variety of styles, from rap ( by Tafadzwa Moswa from Zimbabwe) to classical opera ( Eunjoo Gho from Korea), and traditional Indian dance ( from the Indian Association dance group) to hip hop ( from Cynthia Masamba from Zimbabwe).
Poetry recitals by Charlotte Bussmann ( from Germany) and Joaquin Alvarado ( from Venezuela) held the audience in thrall, and proved that words can be powerful and moving even when said in a language not understood by the listner.
A classical harp recital by Ramona Sakalauskaite ( from Russia) brought Tchaikovsky and Strauss to life to beautiful effect.
Ireland and Sligo were also well represented by the Cos Cos dance company from Rathcormac, and Michael Donaghy who’s rendition of ‘ Come by the hills’ was delightful.
The vibrant and joyful display of culture in all its expressions on the evening brought a new appreciation of the richness of culture represented by new communities residing in Sligo.
It was evident also that whilst we may all come from different origins and cultures, our capacity to celebrate life through music, song, dance and poetry is the same. The event is growing bigger and better every year with more and more people taking part.
Peadar king, Author and Film maker kindly agreed to be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
For over a decade Peadar has presented and produced RTE’s flagship human rights series ‘ What in the World?’ and has filmed in almost 50 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. His experience of meeting people all over the world and presenting their stories made him an excellent and wonderful MC for the evening.
Sligo Intercultural Forum wishes to thank Sligo Family Resource Centre for their support in organising the concert, and Sligo County Council for their support in funding the evening.
Last but definitely not least, sincere thanks to the many participants who made it such a success on the night. Here’s to next year!