Sunyani
(Brong Ahafo) 25 September 2002- The Pan African Orchestra, a Ghanaian International
Music-Cultural Troupe, at the weekend thrilled an audience in Sunyani at a live
concert with a rendition of selected traditional African neo-classical music.
The
22-member troupe, led by Nana Danso Abiam, Director/Conductor, employed African
musical instruments like the "Atentenben" (Flutes)
"Gonje"(African Violin), "Gyile" (Xylophone),
"Menson" (Horns) and drums/percussions at the show to interpret
rhythms from across the African countries, notably Zimbabwe, Senegal, Botswana
and Ghana.
The
spectacular one and a half hour show was organised in collaboration with the
Brong Ahafo Regional Centre for National Culture with sponsorship by the
Ghana-France Co-operation. The performance was part of the group's tour of
regional capitals and has already performed in Bolgatanga and Wa in the Upper
East and West Regions.
Nana Danso
Abiam who was at his usual best told Ghana News Agency (GNA) the tours were
aimed at taking the orchestra's music to the various ethnic groups from whom
the group derived inspiration for its world-acclaimed neo-classical African
music.
He said
since its formation in 1988, the orchestra had traveled extensively in Europe
and other parts of the world. Nana Abiam said the group had put up 68 shows in
the United Kingdom since last year "so this is the beginning of a project
to visit all the regions in Ghana to present music to the masses."
The
Director said the concert was the orchestra's second visit to Sunyani, adding,
that "the tour is therefore, a great opportunity for people to hear some of
the orchestra's latest pieces as well as old favourites like 'Adawura Kasa',
'Sisala Sebrew', 'Yaa Yaa Kole', 'Zamarama Party', 'Dagarti Moods' and 'Kuse'.
''With the
use of the various African musical instruments we are trying to develop music
that reflects the thinking and personality of Africans to eliminate divisions
among them as a result of the artificial boundaries created by the colonial
masters", Nana Abiam said.
GRi…/