The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer
jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS National Symphony Orchestra will celebrate the Bahamas’ 40th Anniversary of Independence during its annual gala concert this weekend.

The free concert is held under the patronage of the Governor General, Sir Arthur Foulkes. It will take place at the College of the Bahamas Performing Arts Centre on Saturday, June 29 starting at 8pm.
Douglas Turnquest, assistant conductor, told Tribune Entertainment that classical and contemporary music will take centre stage during the concert.

Musicians will pay tribute to Denis Donaldson, an original member of the orchestra. He has made significant contributions and was pivotal in getting the group to the level it is at today.

Mr Donaldson’s passing last year was a shock to the members. There was no other way to properly honour Mr Donaldson’s life than by performing arrangements he made.

“He was a part of the orchestra from the beginning. During this event we wanted to pay tribute to him. We will be doing one instrumental by him. One of his songs will be performed by Osano Neely. Mr Donaldson impacted the group in such a major way. He helped carry the orchestra through the years, he did a lot of administration work, and arrangements for the orchestra,” said Mr Turnquest.
The BNSO was founded in 1991 by Jennifer Hudson, who currently lives in Abaco. The orchestra provides an opportunity for musicians to enjoy weekly rehearsals for the pleasure of making good music together, and perform as part of a large symphony orchestra. The BNSO has more than 60 players from all different walks of life.

“We started out as group in the community, and we practised classical music together. Then we would host concerts on Sundays at different venues in Nassau. Now things have changed because the orchestra is a lot bigger than back then,” he said.
Mr Donaldson said since then the orchestra has experienced significant growth, and has attracted young performers. Many young musicians have been trained and nurtured within the orchestra. One of the orchestra’s mandates is to introduce and expose young Bahamians to classical music.
The orchestra also supports local young soloists, and gives them the opportunity to perform with a full symphony orchestra in concert.

The orchestra’s main philosophy is that music should be fun and enjoyed by players and audiences.
With this goal at the forefront the group has established programmes that train young orchestral violinists.

“For the last couple of years, we really wanted to get a lot of young people involved with the orchestra and expose them to classical music. There are a lot of young people who do not know about classical music or have an interest in. We want them to get interested and we want them to know we exist,” he said.

The BNSO also hopes to teach young people how to become proficient harpists.
Over the years, the orchestra has hosted regular concerts in Nassau and on the Family Islands.