The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts on Saturday, April 16, 2022, celebrated Easter with a Concert at the Buxton Memorial Methodist Church at Charles Street in the west of Freetown.
It was themed: An Evening of Vocal, Instrumental and Organ Music.
The concert featured: Dr.Joserly Beckley, a concert artist, opera singer, and voice professor at the Rozinka School for the Performing Arts; Dr. Williette James, a gospel musician, journalist, lecturer, Gender Advocate and Pastor; David Solomon Koroma aka Double King, a musician, instrumentalist, music teacher at the Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts; Alex George, an Organist at Jordan W.A.M Church Murray Town, assistant organist at Ebenezer Methodist Church Murray Town, the Ballanta Orchestra, G7 Gospel Choir, a Sierra Leonean based international music group and many more. The Ballanta Gospel Choir made its first appearance at the concert.
George Williams, a local gospel musician who attended the concert, said that the Academy should present such an event every year. He said that during the performances, he was able to feel the power of music and the blessings of the Lord. “I felt the spirit of the Lord upon me. I felt entertained while feeling the power of music and the Lord,” he said.
The management of Ballanta thanked the clergy and community of Buxton Memorial Methodist Church for accommodating them, stating.
“The Ballanta Academy of Music and Performing Arts wishes to thank the clergy and community of Buxton Memorial Methodist Church for accommodating us in their beautiful church for the performance and rehearsals. We also thank all the performers for this program, who have given their creativity, time and energy so that we can enjoy their music. To our sponsors, we thank you for your continued support. We also acknowledge the generosity of a few people who wish to remain anonymous, who have supported this programme. We also thank WAYout arts who will record the event. A special thanks to Christopher James for his driving vision. To you our audience, a big ‘thank you’ for your attendance and donations. May God bless you all.”
According to the management, they had started offering music classes for candidates of the WASSCE. They said, “Good news for young musicians! The academy is offering music classes towards the WASSCE examinations. You can call+23230632671 or come in person to enquire. Limited Scholarships are available.” The management said that anyone with a keen interest in seeing the academy grow, can become a member. Membership allows you to have a voice in the welfare and development of the school, receive the newsletter, and regular updates on activities. According to the management, “The annual subscription is Le 200,000. Simply register your interest with us by calling 030632671 and you can fill in a form. Our address is 27 Liverpool Street, Freetown.”
By Ibrahim S. Bangura