The Concert Chorale of Harlem, led by Chief Executive Officer, Rodari Simpson, a Jamaican, has partnered with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica, to host a series of Masterclasses aimed at enhancing the skills of musicians.

The workshops are scheduled for the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts and will take place Thursday, June 25 and Friday, July 26 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. On Saturday, July 27, there will be an additional workshop along with a recital rehearsal from 1 pm to 6 pm.

In an interview with Observer Online, Simpson shared the decision to partner with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica.

“As one of the leading classical music organisations in Jamaica, the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica was without a doubt the perfect partner in our mission of enhancing music education.  I have seen the work they have done and continue to do, and I was immediately moved to form this collaboration. The shared talent among their body of musicians is impressive. There is an enormous amount of possibilities to be born from these workshops and concerts,” Simpson explained.

Asked what the target demographic for the workshops was, Simpson said “All cross sections of Jamaicans. We have a program planned for November with the focus on Operatic Arias, a little Broadway, some jazz, spirituals and some locally composed works.”

He added, “These series of master classes and workshops aim to provide the musical exchange between world-renowned musicians and vocal coaches. We (TCCH) hold our mission of music education near and dear to our hearts, and providing that in Jamaica and the Caribbean at large is important to us.”

These workshops are a precursor to the highly anticipated Éclat Opera: An Evening of Arias, Classics, Spirituals, and Jazz at the Little Theatre on November 16 and 17.

Franklin E. Haliburton, director and conductor for the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jamaica, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to welcome our international partners to Jamaica and look forward to the rich cultural exchange that we know is set to take place over the series of workshops in July. We are as eager to learn as we are to share our talents with them.”

Aside from Simpson, renowned musicians such as Dr Tyrone Clinton Jr, Laquita Mitchell and Chauncey Packer will also participate in the workshops.

Mitchell, a soprano, consistently earns acclaim in eminent opera companies throughout North America and Europe.  Already in her young career, she has led performances with the Los Angeles Opera, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, Washington National Opera, Opéra Comique in Paris, among many others.

Clinton Jr is the founder and artistic director of The Unsung Collective Inc, a non-profit organisation devoted to celebrating people of colour in Western art music in New York City. He has served as conductor of Northwestern University’s Women’s Choir and University Chorus. He worked as chorus master alongside conductor John DeMain in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah at Northwestern, and with resident conductor of the Los Angeles Opera, Grant Gershon. Packer is an American tenor and a three-time Grammy Award winner. His 2019-2020 engagements included his Metropolitan Opera debut in the roles of Sportin’ Life, Robbins, and Crabman in Porgy and Bess, soloist in Mozart’s Requiem with the Colour of Music Festival.

Other notable conducting engagements include the Atlanta University Center Orchestra, both Morehouse College and Spelman College Glee Clubs, and Clark Atlanta University’s Philharmonic Society.

“These workshops are very important to us. The exchange of culture, talent, heart and the love of performing are all things similar to us whether performing at the Metropolitan Opera House or in a small community church,” said Simpson.

He continued, “Certainly we look forward to the successful production of the workshops and master classes but also that the local corporate bodies will align with our mission. Of course, from a personal position, we would certainly love to learn more about the culture, the people and for sure the food. We are very excited about the project.”

The Concert Chorale of Harlem will be giving back to two local causes in Jamaica.   They will provide free medical screening annually to residents and they will also be establishing the TCCH Music Education program based in Jamaica. This will offer free music lessons, masterclasses and choir workshops to local music students and volunteer musicians.

The Concert Chorale of Harlem performed in Jamaica in December 2022 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston.

-Kevin Jackson