WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2023 — Under the patronage of the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Bel Canto Singers will be featured in concert at First Baptist Church, 712 Randolph Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 17, beginning at 4 p.m.
The renowned Bahamian group was invited to perform in Washington by His Excellency the Hon. Wendall Jones, Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, and the Hon. Patrick Adderley, Bahamas Consul General to Washington, D.C., as part of “The Road to 50” celebrations of the The Bahamas’ 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain.
Founder and Conductor of Bel Canto Singers, Eldridge McPhee, noted in a press release that the group will be accompanied by an Orchestra featuring: Shavincia Saunders, flute; Lynden Sands, clarinet; Lazano Rolle, Lionel Ferguson, Jr.and Ghandi Sherman, trumpet; Carlano Bain and Stanico Knowles, trombone; Philip Colebrook, Jr., tuba; Othello Dames and Zaavan Colebrooke, percussion; Zaavan Colebrook, timpani; Cameron Pratt, Kiesha Martinez and Megan Collins, violin; Alisha Wells, viola; Romel Shearer, cello; and Jordan-Deane Allen, contrabass.
In a “Director’s Message” thanking patrons following a recent concert, Mr. McPhee said: “We are grateful that you have chosen to be with us this evening and share in our music – food for the soul. This evening’s concert has something in it that is meant to speak to you, as we bring you several genres of music. I trust that you will not only enjoy the music but will also be refreshed and renewed.
“The music that we bring to you comes from our spirits, channeled through our voices with the intent to create a safe space and to encourage change, heightened civic consciousness and fervor for healthy community. As a country, we are now, and have been, number one in the world for Olympic medals won per capita and we have success stories in every discipline with our men, women and young people in the world.
“As we focus on the achievements of our best and brightest, may we find time, energy and resources to ensure that our marginalized population are provided the tools to thrive – we as a nation will be better off for this investment.
“We have been taught that rearing children is the parents’ responsibility. I ask you to consider that raising children is EVERYONE’S responsibility as these are the future men and women with whom we must all work with, be served by and generally walk amongst.”
Continuing, he added: “We at Bel Canto Singers are firm believers in the power of music, as well as other forms of performing and creative arts, to positively impact lives, and we are committed to being one of the beacons of light in this respect. I believe in the POWER of music to effect positive change—that we would each be willing to raise the collective consciousness such that all would know the power of the individual to make a difference, and then commit to living and exemplifying this ideal.
“We are ever grateful to you, our patrons and sponsors, for believing in our mission and work. The world and our country continue to face challenging times, but out of challenges come the best opportunities for growth and renewal. And so, I ask that we, as Bahamians and citizens of the world, embrace our lot. Know that we have what it takes to move beyond this time to be better, be more joyful, be more empathetic, be more compassionate and, more importantly, to be WHOLE.”
