NDTC 43rd Easter sunrise concert honours Dr Wigmoore Francis
ON the last day of this month National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) presents its 43rd Easter concert, The morning of Movement and Music, at the Little Theatre beginning at 6:00 am.
This year the event holds special significance as it pays tribute to alum guitarist Dr Wigmoore Francis, who passed away recently.
Dr Francis, a stalwart of Jamaican music, graced the NDTC with his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment. From his early days in the company to earning a PHD in philosophy and history from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Dr Francis’s journey was one of passion and dedication to his craft.
Under the artistic direction of Marlon D Simms, artistic director of NDTC, this year’s concert promises to celebrate life, love, and the enduring power of dance and music.
As the sun rises on Easter morning, audiences can anticipate classic performances such as Rex Nettleford’s Jesu Joy from Blood Canticles, featuring Kerry-ann Henry, Tamara Noel, Marisa Benain, and Mishka Williams, and Goodbye Motherland from The Crossing, performed by the full company, along with new works by Paul Newman and Amaya Gomes, Luminosity; Creed created by Simms, and Clive Thompson’s Of Sympathy and Love, featuring principal dancer Mark Phinn. A cadre of new-generation dancers will perform Gene Carson’s Sanctuary.
Audiences can expect soul-stirring renditions of hymns such as Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, arranged by Musical Director Dr Kathy Brown, and O Worship the King, plus Marjorie Whylie’s Our Father, and Noel Dexter’s Psalm 150,” performed by the NDTC Singers and musicians. Toni Barrett and Shane Wright will lead the singers in The Potter’s House, while Conrod Hall and Andrew Laidley will be featured soloists in The Blessing, arranged by Andrae Wilson.
“The Morning of Movement and Music is a very special event because it is Easter, but it will hold even more significance this year because we are honouring the memory of a wonderful member of the NDTC family who is affectionately known as ‘Wiggy’,” remarked Dr Kathy Brown, the musical director.
Guest performer Joan Andrea Hutchinson will offer a reading of her poetry, adding an additional layer of depth to the proceedings. And there will be an excerpt from Haiti’s Jeanguy Saintus’ Incantation, performed by Ballet Mistress Kerry-ann Henry.
Simms, reflecting on Dr Francis’s legacy, remarked, “Dr Francis was a very gifted and talented artist and extremely committed to the company. We are grateful for his contribution and look forward to paying respect to him through this performance.”