Dominica’s Sixth Form Sisserou Singers Production of VOICES stream LIVE to raise funds for two Island Charities
By The Black Chick Group
June 22, 2012 8:30 A.M.
The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers (Photo: Ella Rychlewski).
Roseau, Dominica (TDN) --
“Because of the vision and hard work of this production company my dream and the dream of so many others will soon be coming true...” President SFSS, Kareem P.N Bertrand.
They have performed extensively in Dominica and in the Caribbean to both audience and critical acclaim and through a new web and cinematic series called Africa LIVE!HD, the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers (SFSS) will perform for the first time to an online international audience, while helping to raise funds for two of the Island’s charity organizations.
The live web broadcast presentation of the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers 15th chorale production VOICES will take place on July 6th from 8-10:30 pm, with a Green Carpet Preshow from 7-7:45pm. In addition to online viewing, the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association (CDOA) will host a fundraising cinema screening of the broadcast in Toronto. A percentage of online ticket sales and a donation from the CDOA, will benefit two charities on the island, The Dominica Infirmary senior citizens home and CHANCES a home for abandoned and abused youth.
Choir Public Relations Officer and Accomplished Miss Dominica 2007 Leandra Lander expressed her enthusiasm at being able make those in the diaspora feel closer to home. “We love what we do and really want Caribbean people who are far away from home to feel like they never left!”
“I am proud, a little nervous, and excited that these expressions of artistic genius articulated by my choir will be viewed by many- some of whom have never even heard of Dominica, let alone the Sisserou Singers! Thank you and God bless.” President SFSS Kareem P. N. Bertrand
Choir Director and Dominica’s acclaimed musical arranger and composer Pearle Christian promises a brilliant production “In our 18 years of existence, it has always been our dream to expose and share Dominica's choral talents beyond our shores. VOICES will showcase choral pieces in a variety of musical idioms including Western art music, negro spirituals, American and Caribbean pop; the 'Voices' from different eras, allow the choristers and audience alike to develop an appreciation for cultural multiplicity. We are rehearsing hard to ensure that we present a highly entertaining package to all our viewers.”
VOICES will also include a mini Caribbean folk drama told in quatrains. The popular Caribbean folk segment features classic folk favourites including Lamou Mwen- my love by Dominica’s beloved folk music writer, arranger and composer Jean Lawrence Mathurin and Long Time Gyal from Jamaica.
The Showis being held under the auspices of His Excellency, The President of Dominica, Dr. Nicholas Joseph Orville Liverpool and Mrs. Liverpool, and will be performed at Dominica’s historic Arawak House of Culture. This year Ms. Carmel Agar a musical impresario and long-time music teacher will receive an award and citation from the choir.
“Our Goal for the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers LIVE in HD event is to raise as much funds possible for the charity organizations identified”, says Lucy Hamlet, Executive Producer of Africa LIVE!HD. “With a great audience turn out at the cinema screening in Toronto and mass online viewership we believe we can achieve just that.”
Frances Delsol President of the Commonwealth of Dominica Ontario Association -CDOA did not hesitate to partner with African Image Media. “The CDOA joined forces with Lucy on this initiative because we saw it as a great opportunity to promote one of Dominica's jewels - the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers. Dominica, with its unparalleled natural beauty, boasts a number of world-class performers and the CDOA will always take a leading role in promoting all things Dominica in Canada.”
In addition to the HD show, viewers will also be treated to a pre-show hosted by Tarnia Green; the pre-show will feature exclusive behind the scenes access to the Choir including interviews with the staging team and Director Pearle Christian; The ‘LIVE from the Nature Isle Green Carpet’ will feature interviews with distinguished guests and audience members as they arrive. Tickets for Toronto’s cinema screening of the show are being sold exclusively through the CDOA. Worldwide audiences can watch the show @ www.africalivehd.com .
The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers
The Sixth Form Sisserou Singers was formed in 1994 as a collaborative project between the Division of Culture and the then Sixth Form College to establish a chorale group at the request of college students. Under their motto “Anything worth Doing is Worth Doing well” the Sixth Form Sisserou Singers set about to fulfill their mission of utilizing the medium of chorale music to develop a body of youth who are of sound and refined character, possess high self-esteem, are hard working in their approach to life and are eager to contribute to the development of the Nation, Caribbean Region and ultimately the World. Under their Director and founder the esteemed composer and arranger Pearle Christian, the Chorale is now celebrating their 18th year of existence.
About Africa LIVE!HD
Africa LIVE!HD is aseries of web and cinema programming designed by African Image Media and the Black Chick Group. The goal of the project is to utilize technology to bridge the gap between remarkable cultural events originating from Africa and the diaspora and those who love and want to enjoy them. “We want to bring the best live entertainment from the stages of Africa and her diaspora directly into the homes of audiences around the globe while helping to promote social issues and encourage cultural economic growth.” Lucy Hamlet. VP Business Development
Toronto Fund Raising Screening & Reception World Wide Web PPV
