Cultural Voice

Ewan Simpson (Source: The Jamaica Observer) Cultural Voice went behind the scenes for a chat with Ewan Simpson, Musical Director of the National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica (NDTC) about the upcoming evening of Music scheduled for December 15, 2013, 6:00 pm at the NDTC Studio (behind The Little Theatre). CV: What does this concert mean in the journey of the singers of the NDTC? ES: The concert is an opportunity to showcase in a more fulsome way the music of the NDTC. CV: What have been the major challenges you've faced since assuming the role of Musical Director? ES: Transitioning to have a solid, consistent set of voices able achieve a desired balance as persons have left, retired and new persons have come in. It is the work it takes to settle down and practice over and over to have a consistent sound. CV: Will there be themes for the upcoming concert? If yes what are those themes? ES: No. There are no themes. It is the music of the NDTC, mostly

The Department of Literatures In English, University of the West Indies, Mona, had the honour of launching Professor emeritus Edward Baugh’s Black Sand and Cultural Voice was present. Representatives of the Department came out in their numbers, special mention was made of Sir Kenneth Hall, and Professor Roy Augier. In the audience Velma Pollard, Victor Chang, Karen Ford-Warner, Judith Hamilton, Genevieve Vassell, Monica Minott, Tanya Batson, Earl McKenzie, Erna Brodber, Norval  Edwards, Schontal Moore and Paula-Ann Porter  were among those who showed their support. Professor Carolyn Cooper, a former student who studied at the feet of Professor Baugh, consoled the poet and scholar, who bemoaned writing too few poems (less than 100) thus far. She assured him that his giving of his life to teaching was indeed another form of poetry much appreciated by his many students. Tanya Shirley introduced Dr. Michael Bucknor, who introduced Professor Edward Baugh, the star of the evening