‘A nation that sings together prospers in harmony’ |02 October 2019
A session of the workshop on Monday
As is the case every year Seychelles joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Music yesterday, October 1.
The International Day of Music has become an event which mobilises the musicians of the whole world for the pleasure of audiences and music lovers alike. Initiated in 1975 by the International Music Council, a by-product of Unesco, it was created to promote musical art among all sections of society.
To keep with the idea of unity the School of Music, which is the organiser of the activities, has come up with a way by which music will unite everyone if only for one day. The idea is that for five minutes everyone stops work and sing one or two songs together as a way to demonstrate unity.
“I have always felt that the National Conservatory of Performing Arts has a role to play in educating people about the importance of art in life not just for entertainment but for education, artistic and spiritual. We live in a divided nation and the idea is to bring your differences to contribute towards a positive aspect, like I always say ‘a nation that sings together prospers in harmony’,” said Antoine Souris, member of the organising committee.
Mr Souris added that this is the first time that an activity such as this one is organised on a daily basis. With the participation of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, camera crew went from workplace to schools and other organisations and film participants sing their hearts out.
“On our part, all the staff performed ‘Zil Mahe Sesel’ with John Wirtz, the composer of the song,” said Mr Souris.
To mark the International Day of Music the school also produced a song with the students of the school.
“We have students on vocals, guitar and myself as the composer and pianist. We also got help from Rico Joubert, one of our past students in producing the track as well as the assistance of Devin Nibourette. The song is entitled Larmoni Lavi,” said Mr Souris, who noted that this is the first song with the help of all students.
A workshop is also being organised this week with six vocal students by two famous artists from Germany – Christian and Axel Pless. The students will follow a six-day course which will conclude on October 5 followed by a concert the following day, October 6, at the St Paul’s Cathedral animated by the couple and their students.
Tickets cost R200 and the audience will get a chance to experience performances from a number of famous musicals such as Evita, My Fair Lady and the Lion King, just to name a few.
