On Monday, April 27, in Agip Recital Hall at the MUSON School of Music in Lagos, Nigeria, Chibuike presented his final year recital. A full program, it was presented in partial fulfillment of his Associates Diploma in Music, which he anticipates receiving in early July.
The diverse repertoire displaying his musical ascension over the past two years included works spanning five centuries. He opened with arguably J.S. Bach’s (1685-1750) most popular work for cello, the Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major (BWV 1007).
Following the Bach, Chibuike performed two movements from the Concerto for Cello in B-Flat Major (G. 482) by Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805). He presented the first and second movements, Allegro moderato and Andante grazioso/Adagio non troppo, respectively.
Next was the inspirational and poignant “Prayer,” a movement from Ernest Bloch’s (1880-1959) larger work, “From Jewish Life.” Bloch was a Swiss-born American composer.
This was followed by “Libertango,” a lively dance-like work by Argentinian composer, Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992). The piece was published and recorded in 1974 by Piazzolla in Milan, Italy.
Closing the program was Leonard Cohen’s (1934-2016) well-known “Hallelujah” and included accompaniment by a string trio. The arrangement and performance was inspired by one of Chibuike’s favorite cellists, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who, in 2016, was the first Black musician to win the BBC Young Musician Award.
Chibuike’s performances are available on his YouTube channel.
Over the next few weeks, Chibuike will be involved in several recitals as well as performing in the orchestra for a school performance of The Mikado June 21 and a finale orchestral concert June 22. All this is in addition, of course, to continued private lessons and class work.
University of Victoria Update
Regarding Chibuike’s admittance to the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, the process is moving forward as reported in previous news posts. There has been a slight set back with the visa process due to an incorrectly answered question the first time around. However, he has been invited to reapply by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) for the visa and study permit. He is now in consultation with the university’s International Centre for Students to work through the next step.
Although Hank was planning to travel to Victoria this month to meet with several people to garner additional support, that trip has been postponed until after the visa has been, hopefully, approved. Via Zoom, however, he will be meeting with UVic’s cello professor, the dean of the College of Fine Arts, and the director of the School of Music.
Crowdfunding Update
To accommodate Canadians wishing to contribute to Chibuike’s fund, we have set up a site that accepts contributions in Canadian dollars. It will also, of course, accept U.S. Dollars and the Givebutter.com funding site remains active but only accepts USD
Hank Knerr, Fund Manager
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