National Chorale of Jamaica honours stalwarts

Opera singer Dawn Marie James, accomplished musician Marjorie Bayley, and Vivian Crawford, an outstanding public servant and a founding member of the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ), were awarded on Sunday for their contribution to the NCOJ. The trio, who have distinguished themselves in the field of classical music at the international level, received the chorale’s Medal of Excellence Award in a ceremony in the ballroom of King’s House. The event also marked the 50th anniversary of the chorale.

Ian Forbes, custos rotulorum for the parish of St Andrew, who represented Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, in congratulating the honourees, encouraged them to let their voices be continually heard. “The work of the chorale over the years of its existence has proven the impactful nature of music and its unifying power,” added Forbes.

Christopher Samuda, chairman of the NCOJ, in his remarks described the medal of excellence as the conferment of an honour for service in and to the arts and culture which goes beyond the call of duty. “This embodies the eminence of the creative intellect, being and sensibilities which reside in our recipients this evening and of whom we are justly proud,” said Samuda.

“The chorale has gifted this medal to Jamaica and its people without any expectations of applause as we consider it our national duty to recognise sons and daughters of the soil who, by dint of their talent, have fertilised the cultural and musical landscape in unearthing streams of value in the thirst of generations,” Samuda added.

The ceremony was first held in 2015 and the sole recipient was Sir Willard White, internationally renowned Jamaican bass-baritone opera singer, who will make a special performance in August.

One of the other highlights of the evening was the premiere of Sir Hugh Sherlock’s national pledge which was, for the first time, being presented in song – an arrangement by the NCOJ’s Musical Director Winston Ewart, and accomplished organist Dr Richard Beckford. “We are not aware of the pledge being set to music before; however, on the dawn of the chorale’s golden jubilee and Jamaica’s 60th anniversary, we feel that this is indeed an appropriate gesture in nation-building,” said Ewart.