Stalwarts to receive NCOJ excellence award

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.