When Greek Piano Quintet entertained Abuja

In his address Greek Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Dionisios Souryanos, explained that Chamber Music is a music of friends and requires special musical and social skills which are demanding in their totality, than those playing solo or symphony works. To share the day in a special and intimate way as the music provided guests were […]

In his address Greek Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Dionisios Souryanos, explained that Chamber Music is a music of friends and requires special musical and social skills which are demanding in their totality, than those playing solo or symphony works.

To share the day in a special and intimate way as the music provided guests were toasted to works of Franz Schubert, Georges Bizet, Julian Plaza, classical renditions of some of the Beatles works as well as a Greek medley and a Hausa piece.

While guests nodded their heads and tapped their feet in appreciation of the way the songs were performed and presented, including the Nigerian piece which dwelt on the feelings of a young girl towards her loving parents, the general question was when will classics composed by Nigerians be presented to international audience in this manner.

To this music director of AMEMUSO, Samuel Ezugo said, “it’s one of the things that many are working towards. For now, hip hop is what is popular as the industry is still growing. Our songs are yet to be written in the classical format, scripted out and are not available when you need them. The likes of Prof. Laz Ekwueme, except you go to him, you are not likely to find his work as readily as you would those from the west.

“Our orientation is largely responsible for this. Classical music is still very much an elitist thing, but hip hop, everybody easily identifies with it. We are so used to dancing to rhythms,” he said.

Violinist, Stella Tsani who is performing for the third time in Nigeria was very excited to be in the country again. “I’m very happy for the opportunity and the warm reception Nigerians have given to our performances.  I’m hoping very much, to come here again next year.”