By Ibrahim S. Bangura
The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts, on Friday December 2, 2022 has held a Christmas Music Concert at the Samaria West African Methodist Church at Waterloo Street in Freetown to prepare the spirits of people for the Christmas festivities through music.
According to the Academy, this year’s concert was held to honour the presence of Paramount Chief Komrabai Peter Penfold, the former British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone for his contributions towards the development of the Academy.
The Christmas concert is one of the Academy’s major annual events which bring people together to share quality time in peace.
This year’s concert featured the Choir of the Milton Margai School for the Blind, Dr. Williette James, the Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Communication Media and Information Studies, Fourah Bay College, USL; Gwilym Jones, who works for the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and Development Office and the British High Commission in Freetown, Adekunle Robin, Nathaniel Jones, Kumba Sia Borbor and many others. Groovy Colours ended with a Christmas Medley. During the event, many of the past and present students and groups of the Academy shared their contributions through musical performances.
Dr. Julius Spencer, Board Chairman of the Academy, thanked everyone for attending the concert. He said that the concert was dedicated to PC Peter Penfold who has been supporting the Academy for so many years. “I believe that the presence of the Blind School here tonight is a testament of PC Penfold’s support to the school. With his efforts and other people’s support, the Blind Choir went on a tour to the United Kingdom. We say a big thank you, PC Peter Penfold,” he said.
According to Dr. Spencer, the Academy is a voluntary organization that has been in existence for 27 years relying on donations. “Any little support is important to the growth of the Academy, so you can make any support,” he said.
PC Peter Penfold thanked the Academy for their support to music education in Sierra Leone and for recognizing his efforts. He said, “Now, it is high time we started supporting the Academy to grow in whatever ways it can. I want to thank you, Ballanta.”
According to the management of the Academy their membership is open to interested persons who are keen to be involved in its progress and development, and added that the annual contribution of its members is Le 200 a year and it entitles a member the newsletter and a voice at the Annual General Meeting. “Please request a form and make a payment at the office at 27 Liverpool Street in Freetown, or our orange money (079-305-191) and Afrimoney (099-124-934) platforms,” said the management.
The management thanked sponsors and everyone for making the Christmas Concert possible. “We wish to thank our sponsors, Hon. Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, Aureol Insurance Co.Ltd., and Pee Cee and Sons. We thank you, Mr. Tani Pratt, our former Chairman, performers and staff who coordinated and served in various capacities. We thank you, the WAYout team and W.A.M. Church for your kind and timely support. May you all have an enchanted, blessed and safe Christmas; and may 2023 bring added blessings, joy, good health and peace to you and your families,” the management concluded.