Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in an effort to foster a spirit of togetherness among Jamaicans, will host a musical presentation dubbed Jamaica Sings the Messiah. It will be held on Sunday November 29, 2009 at the main Campus of Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica commencing at 6:30 pm under the patronage of Governor General Patrick Allen and Lady Allen.

Jamaica Sings the Messiah is the first instalment of what is to be an annual musical event designed to inspire and uplift the Jamaican people, said Avery Thompson, co-host of the event along with her husband Dr Herbert Thompson, president of NCU.

“While NCU hosts the event it is a national event, and Jamaicans from all across the island are invited. The choir is an open choir with singers invited from all over the island.”

This concert will feature the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra and other musical talents who will blend their voices in the work of Handel, with pieces selected from Parts I and II.

Jamaica Sings the Messiah, notes Dr Herbert Thompson, “is another opportunity to the Jamaican people to enhance the spirit of harmony, a sense of oneness, regardless of our station, creed, or ethnicity through uplifting music.”

Performing are world renowned soloists Pauline Forrest-Watson, soprano; Paula Brown-Powell, contralto; Orville Manning, tenor; and Curtis Watson, Bass-Baritone. The conductor, Barrington Davidson, based in Philadelphia, is originally from Kingston. He is a past student of Edna Manley School of the Performing Arts and because of his passion for the arts and in particular this composition, he is again in Jamaica to give of his talents to his country. The Chorus and Soloists will be accompanied by the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra, rehearsed and coached by Music Director at NCU, Dr. Lisa Darby-Walker.

Patrick Smith, Director of NCU Corporate Communications Marketing and Public Relations shared that, “one of the local football teams from a community adjoining NCU was delighted to accept an invitation to attend ‘Jamaica Sings the Messiah.’ This is a clear indication that our young people are ready and willing to enjoy a broad range of musical forms in spite of the stereotypes often foisted upon them. What they need is opportunity, not pity, a chance to advance, not a rear-view mirror glance.