EDITOR’S NOTE: My Facebook friend Athama Bowe posted this information on the Anglican Chorale on Facebook that I decided to share with readers of BAHAMAS CHRONICLE as a Guest Commentary.
NASSAU, Bahamas — The Anglican Chorale is comprised of members of choirs from various Anglican Churches in New Providence, The Bahamas. The group came together when Idris Reid invited Rosemary Hanna to coordinate a choir to present a hymn festival in November 2006. Richard Webster was invited to be the guest organist and conductor at this first event and he was assisted at the organ by Preston Ferguson and a Brass Ensemble led by Inspector Dennis Sturrup.
It was subsequently agreed to keep the group together as The Anglican Chorale, under the direction of Rosemary Hanna and Edward Cox, Accompanist. It was further agreed to make the Hymn Festival an annual event to be held in November.
In 2007 the Organists were Matthew Steynor, Director of Music at Trinity Cathedral, Miami Florida, and Edward Cox. In 2008 the musicians included: Organists, Edward Cox and Audley Davidson, Organist & Choirmaster at St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Kingston, Jamaica and pianist, Dexter Fernander. The Chorale was also supported by a Brass Ensemble led by Sylvester George, retired director of The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band. Organists in 2009 were Edward Cox and Allison Dean and in 2010 the organist was Ladislaw Pfeifer. Jeffrey Sturrup was the organist at Hymn Festival held at St. Agnes Anglican Church in 2011.
The purpose of the hymn festivals is to keep alive the tradition of choral hymn singing. Audience participation is an important aspect of hymn festivals and we have been very pleased with the the enthusiastic involvement of all who have attended over the years.
The Anglican Chorale and Friends also hosted a Celebration of Praise and Thanksgiving concert at St. Agnes Anglican Church in June 2012, the proceeds from which were donated towards the restoration of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Fresh Creek, Andros, which was destroyed by fire.
Rosemary Hanna retired at 31st December 2014 and Adrian Archer is now the Director of the chorale.
