In keeping with its conviction to assist in the development of youth and music in Antigua and Barbuda, the Halo Foundation, in collaboration with Fond DÉGDAR and the Honorary Consulate of France to Antigua and Barbuda , has organised a week-long workshop during which the Republic of Kazakhstan Forte Trio will hold technical training sessions with the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra. The week will culminate in a much-anticipated concert which will be hosted at the Antigua and Barbuda St. John’s Pentecostal Houses of Restoration.
Governor General’s Goodwill Emissary and President and Founder of the Halo Foundation, Lady Williams, said that “exposing our musicians to exceptional technique is a vision which we share with our High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill. Therefore, it was important for us to spearhead this initiative, and to work closely with the various partners in order that ABYSO, a group under the Patronage of His Excellency the Governor General and myself, may develop and hone their skills, attaining even a higher level of competence.”
Honorary Counsel to France, Christiane Hansen, regarded the workshops as a move towards world friendship through the exchange of music. “ Cultural exchange through the sharing of ways, language and expertise and, of course, musical symphony, is a path to international understanding that is undeniably progressive”, she commented.
The state Trio of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a musical ensemble formed by professional musicians of the highest level under the tutelage of the State Concert Organization. The best Kazakh musicians, winners of multiple International contests, compose the ensemble. In 2018, the Forte Trio performed concerts in prestigious venues including those in Finland, France, Russia, Georgia, Kirghizstan, and Uzbekistan.
The young musicians who form a part of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra come from different backgrounds and are taught music either in school or at one of the various private music schools across the country. Lady Williams emphasised that “the vision is to provide access to all people, and as such, Halo has sourced a large supply of new wind, brass and string instruments as well as numerous musical stands in order that students with interest and talent are also provided with access and opportunity”.
The Symphony of Friendship Concert will be held at the St.John’s Pentecostal House of Restoration Ministries on Lauchland Benjamin Drive on Sunday February 3rd, from 7:30 pm. Proceeds will go towards the development of youth and music in Antigua and Barbuda.
Photo caption: L-R
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Their Excellencies Sir Rodney and Lady Williams , along with Halo Generation Y President Brent Scotland, hand over instruments to ABYSO’s Marion O’Reilly-Byron, Music Education Officer in the Ministry of Education.
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The Forte Trio in live performance.
