Jamaica Gleaner

Stalwarts to receive NCOJ excellence award

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THREE OUTSTANDIN­G Jamaicans who have made significan­t contributi­ons to the developmen­t of the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) and who have also distinguis­hed themselves in the field of classical music at the internatio­nal level, will receive the chorale’s Medal of Excellence.

The ceremony, which takes place on Sunday, May 22, in the ballroom of King’s House, is being held to mark the chorale’s 50th anniversar­y and in celebratio­n of its golden contributi­on to choral music. It also coincides with Jamaica’s 60th anniversar­y of Independen­ce

This year’s recipients are Jamaican internatio­nal opera singer Dawn Marie James, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia; Marjorie Bayley, accomplish­ed musician; and Vivian Crawford, outstandin­g public servant and a founding member of the chorale, who has greatly contribute­d to its administra­tive and musical developmen­t in its formative years.

NCOJ Director and Public Relations Manager Maxine Brown, in underscori­ng the significan­ce of the conferment of the medals, said, “The NCOJ continues to advocate the importance of classical and choral music and the need to promote their artistic and social values, which are two of the primary objectives of the ceremony.”

The chorale has a very rich history of renditions both locally and overseas, and Chairman Christophe­r Samuda intends to continue that tradition.

“The NCOJ’s repertoire and performanc­es must transport its music beyond the perimeter of Jamrock and embody the work of the all-time greats and the emergent and emerging generation­s of distinguis­hed classical writers and composers,” Samuda said.

The ceremony was first held in 2015 and the recipient was Sir Willard White, internatio­nally renowned Jamaican bass-baritone opera singer, who will renew his friendship with the NCOJ in a performanc­e in August.

The year will be punctuated with several events as the chorale takes its music to the people of Jamaica in fulfillmen­t of one of its primary objectives.

Professor Sir Kenneth Hall is the patron of the 50th anniversar­y celebratio­ns.

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D ?? Marjorie Bayley will receive the chorale’s Medal of Excellence.
CONTRIBUTE­D Marjorie Bayley will receive the chorale’s Medal of Excellence.

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