The revival of choral singing in Guyana is what the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport hopes to achieve with the hosting of a National Song Festival, scheduled for January 20, 2013.
The Culture Ministry is collaborating in this endeavour with the Ministry of Education, the Music Teachers Association of Guyana, the Ministry of Local Government and Region-al Development, the National Communications Network and a number of sponsors.
Speaking at the launch of the festival yesterday in the boardroom of the ministry, Minister Frank Anthony noted that the project is also expected to see the preservation of the country’s heritage.
According to a press release, auditions will be held over the next four weeks in regions 2, 3, 4. 5. 6, 7 and 10.
Dr Anthony said too that the competition is also a way of getting to know the talent in the country. He said the festival will benefit the individuals who will be competing as there will be workshops to help the singers in the coordination of their songs and the development of their talent.
It is his hope that the festival will prompt people to compose new national songs, thereby preserving and adding to the heritage of their country. This, he expects, will go some way in restoring the nation’s pride.
Through the festival, the team expects to discover choral groups and help them better their talents, resulting in a resurgence of choral music nationwide.
According to Anthony, even though it’s a small start they expect the festival to grow over the years.
