The Tribune

THE Atlanta-based Resonance String Quartet performed at a benefit concert, 'From Bach to Hip Hop’, on Friday evening at the Pelican Bay Resort, Grand Bahama.

The event was hosted by the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society (GBPAS) as part of its ongoing effort to promote an appreciation for the performing arts on the island and help raise money for young Bahamians interested in pursuing careers in dance, music or drama.

The proceeds will go toward providing scholarships for students to attend local and international arts programmes as well as performing arts colleges. The event featured a variety of musical genres, including music from the classical period and Motown era, to more modern music from some of today's biggest entertainers.

Established in 1987, the Resonance String Quartet comprises world-class musicians from Georgia and South Carolina. Nusheen Farahani performed on first violin, Karen Goldston Thompson on second violin, Audrey W Harris on the viola, and Ismail Akbar on the cello. The Allegro String Orchestra, a local group, also performed.

"There was something for everyone in this concert," said Mrs Thompson. "For those who were really interested in the classical musical, there was Mozart and some Bach. There were also some contemporary music, such as 'Colours of the Wind' for the children and young at heart. The audience was then taken all the way to the groovy, hip-hop music of today."

This is the second time that the group has been to Grand Bahama. In 2012, they accompanied the Regency Singers in their Yuletide Concert.

“This visit was particularly special for the group because the concert benefited young Bahamians hoping to pursue careers in the performing arts,” Mrs Thompson said. "When we got this opportunity to come and assist with heightening the awareness for the arts and the importance of it and hopefully bring in some money for students that are excited developing their talents and going on to play professionally, we had to jump at that opportunity."

Mr Akbar expressed similar sentiments, adding that the concert is his way of 'paying it forward' to aspiring musicians on the island. "It means everything to me to be able to assist with funding for the performing arts because I was given different opportunities as a young boy," he said. "I was able to participate in a programme called the Talent Development Programme where I could receive free private lessons from a member of the Atlanta Symphony. So being able to come out here and perform as a way to help some youth study music is definitely a great feeling."

Gloria McGlone, a founding member of the GBPAS, said the organisation was thrilled to have the Resonance String Quartet return to Grand Bahama. She said the concert will benefit young talents within the community and give residents an opportunity to hear world-class musicians right at home.

Mrs McGlone believes that the concert is a great chance for young musicians to see what they can achieve if they continue to apply themselves. “Contrary to what people may think, there are many career opportunities for musicians and other performers, and with enough support behind them, young Bahamians can go on to achieve great things,” she said.

"That's the whole purpose of the Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society," she said, "to get these children the level of exposure and training they deserve. Our children have so much potential. There's no reason why Bahamians can't be just as successful in the performing arts as we are in other areas. It's possible; we just have to give them the support."

The GBPAS has assisted several young people with attending the French Woods performing arts summer camp in New York and has provided financial assistance for 12 students to attend colleges in the United States and Canada for studies in the performing arts, music composition and classical piano performance.

The organisation is supported by the efforts of volunteers and sponsors who have a genuine love for the arts and nurturing young talents. Together, these supporters enable the GBPAS to provide scholarships for local students, stage annual productions and host international entertainers.