National musical arts festival launched

TIMES INT'L
Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony

In an effort to develop the music industry in Guyana, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry launched its National Music Arts Festival on Monday, at the ministry’s boardroom, Main Street, Georgetown. This festival is one of three sponsored by the ministry, and is aimed at improving the quality of Guyanese music and sustaining the country’s musical heritage, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.
It is scheduled for April 2013, and will encompass choral and solo performances, musical renditions on instruments, dramatic poetry, steel pan, and drumming. Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony stated that the ministry is extremely pleased to be part of such a festival, and noted that despite the circumstances, the ministry has been able to resuscitate it. “We have a number of children who have been learning to play different instruments and we see this festival as a point where they can come and showcase their talent and be judged,” Minister Anthony said.
This year, the categories have increased because of the growing interest, and Minister Anthony stated that this is because the ministry has been conducting workshops which have been quite accommodating. These have attracted a number of teachers both locally and internationally.
He mentioned that the ministry also will be introducing a number of students for the first time from the Guyana Music School. National Music Arts Festival Chairman David Dewar stated that he is very satisfied that the ministry is sponsoring this festival.
“I know that we are part of the ministry’s budget and we will have a continuity of the festival,” he said. Competitions will be held in 42 children’s classes, while six classes will be open to all ages. Sessions for children will be held during the week of April 20- 27, 2013, at Christ Church Secondary School, and the final session will be held from April 29 – May 4, 2013, at the National Cultural Centre.
Judging will be done both local and overseas. Entry forms can be uplifted at the Guyana National Music Festival Office, Charlotte Street Bourda. The closing date for entry is March 29, 2013, one month prior to the opening session of the festival.

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