An evening of classical and romantic favourites was enjoyed by a full-capacity audience as the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) officially launched its 2026 concert season at UWI Chapel on Sunday, February 8.

One of the evening’s most captivating moments came from an excerpt from Mozart’s classic opera
Don Giovanni, featuring the famous duet Là ci darem la mano (There we will give each other our hands). The dramatic scenario was portrayed by contralto Christine MacDonald and bass Michael Sutherland, whose playful exchanges, rich characterisation, and vocal chemistry earned extended applause from the appreciative audience.

MacDonald also delivered compelling solo performances, including Benjamin Britten’s Festival Te Deum (We Praise Thee, O God). Another standout was Brahms’ deeply emotional Alto Rhapsody, drawn from verses of Goethe’s Harzreise im Winter.

The major highlight of the evening was black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s dramatic cantata Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast, based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem.

NCOJ’s lyric tenor Brenton McLean delivered a moving portrayal of Chibiabos as he rendered the beloved aria Onaway! Awake, beloved! — a song of love and longing addressed to his friend Hiawatha and his bride. The piece was powerfully supported by the full 30-member NCOJ and accomplished pianist Stephen Shaw-Naar, senior lecturer at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.

Shaw-Naar’s virtuosity was also showcased in a dazzling solo performance of Chopin’s Étude in E major, Op. 10 No. 2.

The NCOJ also presented a selection of romantic favourites, including Twilight Time (written by Buck Ram and popularised by The Platters in 1958), Softly by Italian songwriter Tony De Vita, and Leonard Bernstein’s timeless Somewhere from the classic musical West Side Story.

Bass Edmund Carter delivered a passionate and expressive performance of Cuando Caliente el Sol (When the Sun Heats Up), accompanied on piano by choir member Racquel McLean.

The evening was held under the distinguished patronage of Sir Kenneth Hall, former governor general, and Lady Hall.

Conducting duties were shared by Sutherland and Winston Ewart, who led the ensemble in the main work.

In attendance at the concert were members of the diplomatic corps, corporate Jamaica, as well as students from selected high and primary schools.

Pianist Stephen Shaw-Naar.

Patrons Sir Kenneth Hall (second left) and Lady Hall enjoy the NCOJ recital beside Milton Samuda (third left), managing partner, Samuda, & Johnson and NCOJ Chairman Christopher Samuda. .

Choir members of the National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) pose with Conductor Winston Ewart (centre) and accompanist Stephen Shaw-Naar (black suit). .

Michael Sutherland and Christine MacDonald in the famous duet Là ci darem la mano. .