Music school projects immortality of classics

Aug 14, 2003

TWO Ugandan vocalists performed a richly varied classical programme of solos and duets at the residence of Fiona Carr, in Makindye

By Mathias Mazinga

TWO Ugandan vocalists performed a richly varied classical programme of solos and duets at the residence of Fiona Carr, in Makindye, last Saturday.

Fred Kiggundu Musoke, a teacher at the Kampala Music School and Terence Ayebare, a student at the same school gave their audience a scintillating menu of classical music, which they will perform at St. Andrew’s and St. George’s Church, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival, in Germany, on August 18.

During the two-hour concert, the duo performed immortal classical works dating from the 16th -20th century which included Sebastian Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in F Minor, Mendelssohn’s Lord, God of Abraham and Brahm’s Wie Melodien zieht es among others. They sang and performed flute and piano recitals.

Kiggundu demonstrated incredible prowess at the piano. He marvelled the audience as he played the keyboard with a delicate and sensitive touch. Like any competent musician, Kiggundu again demonstrated his versatility when he skillfully played the flute.

Ayebare kept the audience on tenterhooks with a warm and mellow baritone. His command of German enabled him to sing Schubert and Schumann’s works with absolute perfection. He also played the piano with expertise. The emotional expression with which he sang and played the piano depicted his deep understanding and interpretation of textural moods.

The concert was great. It also had various implications. To Kiggundu and Ayebare, it was “the last rehearsal, an opportunity for Ugandans to see what will be performed in Germany.”

However, to some members of the audience like Mrs. Joyce Mpanga, the show was a testimonial of the immortality of classical music. “Classics will ever remain sweet in the ears of listeners. People just need to be exposed to the art form,” she remarked.

Kiggundu and Ayebare’s superb concert left no doubt that Uganda will be well represented at the Edinburgh

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