Made, Sotimirin headline 2022 MUSON Festival

The much-anticipated 2022 MUSON Festival begins in grand style today. This year’s event, which is the 26th since it started, ends on October 30.

Themed, Resurgence, this edition is a reflection of the ravages and privations of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted both economic and social action across the globe.

Speaking at a media briefing to unveil the 2022 events, the organisers revealed the talents would perform on different festival days.

Louis Mbanefo (SAN), who spoke on the events lined up, said activities this year will follow the usual pattern, with some interesting new features.

“It will start with the opening ceremony today, followed immediately by the festival’s drama production, Childe Internationale by Wole Soyinka,” Mbanefo said.

The theatre teacher and comedian, Tunji Sotimirin and Edgar Eriakha will be starring in the play.

The performance is sponsored by Chevron as a way to celebrate the iconic writer and Nobel Laureate.

The formal inauguration of Sunday Musical Brunch at the La Scala Restaurant holds on October 23.

“During the brunch, our talented musicians from the Diploma School will provide a continuous concert. Hopefully, this will become a monthly event,” he said.

The traditional MUSON Day would be October 25, and the occasion is to celebrate the birthday of MUSON with a concert by talented MUSON artists.

On October 29, “we shall celebrate the 70th birthday of Senator Daisy Danjuma, the wife of our distinguished Patron, General T.Y. Danjuma, with the performance of the opera, Cavalleria Rusticana, and I in her honour.”

The gala concert, which holds on Sunday, October 30, is sponsored by Total Energies.

“The concert will feature the MUSON Choir, directed by Emeka Nwokedi, and the MUSON Symphony Orchestra conducted by our visiting maestro, Walter-Michael Vollhardt.”

The festival’s jazz night will be held on November 5.

While fielding questions from journalists, Mbanefo who acknowledged the founding members of MUSON Centre, said the facility was established with the main objective of promoting understanding and enjoyment of serious music.

“We tackled our objectives in two ways. First, we have held concerts with regularity since 1984, with performances of the highest quality by Nigerian and expatriate performers. We have developed two Schools of Music – the Basic School, which provides musical education in the theory of performance of musical instruments for Nigerians of all ages, and the Diploma School.

“MUSON have raised considerably, the standard of singing and musical performance in churches, in schools and at social events. Indeed, many churches and musical societies throughout Nigeria are borrowing from the templates established by MUSON. There can be no doubt that training in classical music is an important discipline for our youth and a source of spiritual fulfillment, not to mention employment, throughout their lives.”