The 8th edition of the Chorale Composer Festival, an annual event dedicated to celebrating and honoring Ghana’s chorale music composers, took place this year at the Ridge Church Auditorium on the 16th of December, 2023.
The festival and musical concert dubbed ‘A Night of Honour and Soul Lifting Choral Music,’ recognized and honored notable Chorale Music Composers in Ghana and additionally brought together choirs and chorale groups to minister uplifting songs, reigniting the spirits of love, and most importantly, ushering the audience into the festive season.
The event honored esteemed composers, including Jacob Wilson Sey, Composer of the chorale piece ‘Nya Gyedzi’; Alfred Entsua-Mensah, Composer of ‘Asamanadwom’; Rev. Dr. Otto Ampofo Boateng, known for ‘Nuntso Ba’; Rev. Clement Korletey Sackey, the mind behind ‘Emmanuel’; and Rev Fr. George Anthony Tandor, composer of ‘O Mary Baabun Siarfo’.
The event organizer, Mr. Dominic Pobee expressed heartfelt appreciation for the consistent support received each year for the event’ consecutive success. He also underscored the significant impact of Chorale Composers and their substantial contributions in advancing the spread of the gospel.
“Ghana is blessed with a great chorale tradition. We have great composers who enrich our lives daily with their beautiful compositions that satiate our souls, rekindle our spirits to love one another, encourage us to serve God and country, and above all, put smiles on our faces.”
Mr. Pobee also hinted at the concert’s aim to raise funds for the less privileged in society, as part of the event’s social responsibility. The goal was to raise support for individuals in need of both financial and material assistance, to ultimately bring smiles to their faces.
“We will be having fundraising tonight to support the future programs, composers, and 100 orphans at Kaneshie. KFC has agreed to feed the 100 orphans on the 27th of December.”
The concert featured performances by the University of Ghana Jubilee Choir, One Voice Choir, ARS Selah Choir, Tema Philharmonic, and Wesleyan Symphonic, each rendering various compositions by the honored Composers, accompanied with praise and worship by Felicia Thornhill.
A special highlight included the ministration of the Ghana National Association of Adventist Student Choir from the University of Ghana along with energetic danceable songs.
The Chorale and Musical festival which envisions the promotion of Chorale music in Ghana and beyond, is set to host its Chorale Music Mashup in Kumasi next year, during Easter on March 30, 2024, at the Kumasi Prempeh Assembly Hall.
