The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with the Guyana Musical Arts Festival launched the 2013 National Musical Arts Festival at the Ministry’s Boardroom, Main Street on Monday.
This festival, which is aimed at improving the quality of Guyanese music and sustaining the country’s musical heritage, is scheduled for April 2013 and will encompass choral and solo performances, musical renditions on instruments including steel pan and drums and dramatic poetry, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Minister of Culture Dr Frank Anthony stated that the ministry is extremely pleased to sponsor the festival. “We have a number of children from the Guyana Music School who have been learning to play different instruments and we see this festival as a point where they can come and showcase their talent for the first time and be judged,” Anthony said.
The categories have increased because of the growing interest, and Anthony stated that this is because the ministry has been conducting workshops which have been quite helpful. These have attracted a number of local and international teachers.
Guyana Musical Arts Festival Chairman David Dewar stated that he was very satisfied that the ministry was sponsoring the festival. “I know that we are part of the ministry’s budget and we will have a continuity of the festival,” he said. Competitions will be held in 42 children’s classes, 16 adult classes, while six classes will be open to all ages. Sessions for children will be held during the week of April 20 to 27, 2013 at Christ Church, and the final session will be held from April 29 to May 4, 2013 at the National Cultural Centre. Judging will be done by both local and overseas judges.
Entry forms can be uplifted from the Guyana Musical Arts Festival Inc. Office, Charlotte Street, Bourda. The closing date for entries is March 29, 2013.
