February 21, 2014 - the New england conservatory of music's brown hall, 8:00 pm
The Friday evening concert is a celebration of contemporary and ancient African repertoires, including some of the most popular choral works of Amu: Abibrimma!, Yɛŋ Ara Asasse, and Saŋ Bɛfa alongside traditional genres, some of which influence these works: Asafo, Bɔbɔbɔ, and Adzogbo. Featured performers are noted below:
The performer of particular treasure on the concert is Ms. Misonu Amu, the daughter of Dr. Amu. She will be performing a number of her father's songs as the heart of the event. She will be accompanied by her friend and colleague Dr. George Worlasi Kwasi Dor.
Known for his
energy, athleticism, and precision on stage, the charismatic Nani Agbeli is one of the leading
Ghanaian dancers of his generation. Born into a family of prominent
dancers and drummers in Ghana's Volta region, he was trained by his father, the
late Godwin K. Agbeli, who performed with the Arts Council of Ghana Folkloric
Company and later served as chairman of the Ghanaian National Association of
Cultural Groups. Nani went
on to study with artists at the National Arts Center in Accra and, for many
years, led the award-winning cultural troupe Sankofa Roots II. For
nine years, he served as the lead drum and dance instructor at the Dagbe
Cultural Center, a school that trains domestic and international students in
Ghanaian traditional arts. Nani came
to the United States in 2006 to teach drumming and dance at the University of
Wisconsin in Madison. After five years there, he was recruited by
Tufts University in Massachusetts, where he now teaches, and leads Kiniwe;
Tufts' African performance ensemble. Nani also
has taught at Brandeis University, Mount Holyoke College, the Berklee College
of Music, Bowling Green University, the University of Virginia, and Lawrence
Conservatory.
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The Agbekor Drum and Dance Society brings the energy of Ghana, West Africa to America. Specializing in traditional drumming and dance of the homeland of Artistic Director Nani Agbeli, the Agbekor Society features a select group of talented American dancers and drummers who have dedicated themselves to bringing this irresistible and unforgettable art form to those who can't get to Ghana to experience it. The group was founded by David Locke, Professor of Music at Tufts University in Medford, MA. Locke fell in love with the music of Ghana while an undergrad at Wesleyan University in the 1970's. As his expertise grew, he sought out other drummers and dancers who were willing to commit to learning and performing Ghanaian drumming and dance authentically, as it is done in Ghana. What began in 1979 , is still a thriving now led by the brilliant Ghanaian master drummer and dancer, Nani Agbeli. The Boston-based Agbekor Drum & Dance Society puts on performances, and runs workshops for all ages at schools, festivals, concerts, and other cultural events.
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Tufts University Third Day Gospel Choir, under the direction of David Coleman, is one of the featured choirs for the concert. For the students and for the community, this ensemble is dynamic, educational, spiritually uplifting, and barrier-breaking as it unites 225 people from all different cultures and faiths together in harmony. The choir studies the origins of African-American worship music and the current trends of contemporary Gospel Music. In 2010, the director and the choir were featured in a story on BBC World News America in a story called "A Choir of Many Faiths." Through this experience knows as gospel choral music, we come together to combine our individual struggles and present our worship together through those struggles. This is how we celebrate life and continually revive ourselves, just like Jesus did on the "Third Day."
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The NEC Youth Chorale is open to advanced SATB singers, grades 9–12. Entrance is by audition only. Once students have been accepted in to the Youth Chorale, they can audition in the fall for placement in Youth Camerata, a highly advanced ensemble comprised of SATB singers who are members of the Youth Chorale. Jonathan Richter, the director, is an active conductor, vocalist, and music educator based in the Boston area. In addition to his role as director of the Youth Chorale, Young Women's Chorale and Youth Camerata at the New England Conservatory, Richter also serves on the faculties of Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI and the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, MA.
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Jamie Kirsch is the conductor of the Tufts University Chamber Singers. This excellent ensemble performs music for large vocal forces ranging from Bach to Bernstein, including major works in the Western canon, recent compositions, and arrangements of non-Western choral music. Kirsch's doctoral degree was awarded from Indiana University in 2008. His current choral directing positions include the Music Director of the Cambridge Community Chorus, Chorus Pro Musica, and Choral Activities at Tufts University, where he conducts the Tufts Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and teaches music theory.
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EARTH-TONES A contemporary A Capella Quartet
Michael Mayo, age 20, is a jazz vocalist at the New England Conservatory of Music. A graduate of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, he participated in and directed the award-winning Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He has been honored to be chosen to participate in nationally acclaimed music program, such as the Dave Brubeck Summer Jazz Colony and, for two consecutive years, the Grammy Jazz Ensemble’s Jazz Choir. He has also performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival’s Next Generation Competition and numerous venues in the Los Angeles area such as the famed Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood, California.
Nedelka Prescod is Vocal Musician, Songwriter, Arranger, Educator and Choral Coach. The daughter of a musician/educator, Nedelka is a graduate of The LaGuardia High School of the Arts in New York City and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Performance from New York University, a Master of Arts in Music Education from CUNY Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory. As a contemporary solo artist Nedelka has written, recorded and performed her songs in New York City, Boston and Florida and has toured internationally as a classical Mezzo-Soprano. In addition to her solo artistry Nedelka has performed background vocal work in the r&b, neo-soul, gospel, hip-hop and jazz genres with Alicia Keys, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, Dorothy Norwood, Anti-Pop Consortium, Jowee Omicil and Kenny Garrett and has had the privilege of performing with Jason Moran, "Rakalam" Bob Moses, Bert Seager and with the NEC Jazz Big Band under the direction of Ken Schaphorst. Nedelka is currently on faculty at New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music.
Arielle Armstrong is a rising junior at New England Conservatory of Music. For the past two years, she has studied with Karen Holvik, and sung the role of Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, and is currently working on the role of Clori in L'Egisto. In 2010. Arielle competed in the Young Arts NFAA organization in Miami, FL and received a Level One Award. She has sung with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Darren Atwater's Children's Choir, Lenoir Rhyne Youth Chorus, at the Warner Theater, at the Kennedy Center, Millenium Stage and in Jordan Hall. Arielle hopes to continue her opera studies, and explore other genres as well.
Joseph Copeland is a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. The son of a pastor, Joseph’s first exposure to music was in church, singing gospel music, and directing choirs. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, and Oberlin College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music History & Theory. Joseph is currently completing his Master of Music in Jazz Studies at New England Conservatory, studying with Dominique Eade, and Ken Schaphorst. Joseph has performed in various venues across the East Coast and Midwest, including Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, and Boston Common. In 2007, he participated in a symposium on African American sacred music at Yale University. Joseph has also worked with such artists as Jason Moran and Dave Holland. Besides performing, he continues to work with choirs across the East coast. Joseph will graduate in May of 2013, and is currently preparing his Master’s Recital.
Nedelka Prescod is Vocal Musician, Songwriter, Arranger, Educator and Choral Coach. The daughter of a musician/educator, Nedelka is a graduate of The LaGuardia High School of the Arts in New York City and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Performance from New York University, a Master of Arts in Music Education from CUNY Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory. As a contemporary solo artist Nedelka has written, recorded and performed her songs in New York City, Boston and Florida and has toured internationally as a classical Mezzo-Soprano. In addition to her solo artistry Nedelka has performed background vocal work in the r&b, neo-soul, gospel, hip-hop and jazz genres with Alicia Keys, Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, Dorothy Norwood, Anti-Pop Consortium, Jowee Omicil and Kenny Garrett and has had the privilege of performing with Jason Moran, "Rakalam" Bob Moses, Bert Seager and with the NEC Jazz Big Band under the direction of Ken Schaphorst. Nedelka is currently on faculty at New England Conservatory and Berklee College of Music.
Arielle Armstrong is a rising junior at New England Conservatory of Music. For the past two years, she has studied with Karen Holvik, and sung the role of Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, and is currently working on the role of Clori in L'Egisto. In 2010. Arielle competed in the Young Arts NFAA organization in Miami, FL and received a Level One Award. She has sung with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Darren Atwater's Children's Choir, Lenoir Rhyne Youth Chorus, at the Warner Theater, at the Kennedy Center, Millenium Stage and in Jordan Hall. Arielle hopes to continue her opera studies, and explore other genres as well.
Joseph Copeland is a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn, New York. The son of a pastor, Joseph’s first exposure to music was in church, singing gospel music, and directing choirs. He attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, and Oberlin College, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music History & Theory. Joseph is currently completing his Master of Music in Jazz Studies at New England Conservatory, studying with Dominique Eade, and Ken Schaphorst. Joseph has performed in various venues across the East Coast and Midwest, including Carnegie Hall, Jordan Hall, and Boston Common. In 2007, he participated in a symposium on African American sacred music at Yale University. Joseph has also worked with such artists as Jason Moran and Dave Holland. Besides performing, he continues to work with choirs across the East coast. Joseph will graduate in May of 2013, and is currently preparing his Master’s Recital.