Raising Arts … Serving the Arts Community

When Chibuike was denied his U.S. Visa, I promised that I would come to Nigeria for his final recital at MUSON in Lagos. It was scheduled for late May, which would have been ideal. However, when it was changed to late April, that became a scheduling problem for me. After some discussion and considering a couple possibilities, it was decided that I would visit for this final Diploma Orchestra Concert and a performance of The Mikado, June 21 and 22, respectively.

For several reasons, The Mikdao was postponed, but I did get to hear a wonderful orchestral and band concert on June 22. As part of the concert, Chibuike was honored with a solo—Kol Nidrei by Max Bruch—a world renowned part of the cello repertoire (Op. 27 1880).

Here is an excerpt of Kol Nidrei on Facebook performed by Chibuike Victor and the MUSON Diploma Orchestra. Your comments are welcome.

This was my second trip to Lagos, both times using my air miles and handling my own expenses. However, we did use some of the fund to pay to have a close friend of the family attend along with his musical college, Obinna, a flutist, join in meals and activities while there.

We were also able to meet up with Professor Adebisi Alade, a history professor at the University of Victoria who is from Nigeria who was in the country doing research and attending a conference before setting off into Europe to continue the research. He was a great inspiration and was quite helpful in giving Chibuike pointers with great hope that the study permit will be approved soon.

Although Chuike and Obinna’s time was taken up mostly with unexpectedly added rehearsals plus study time for an important exam, we did get out into the city a bit. We visited a wonderfully unique gallery — the Nike Art Gallery — filled with spectacular local original art. We also got to spend some time on a local beach.

The test for which Chibuike was studying was a re-test for the Grade 7 ABRSM music theory exam, which he handily passed. ABRSM is a series of standardized tests administered by the United Kingdom and additionally recognized in several countries that are former British colonies as a benchmark of musical expertise. The final test for him to take is the Grade 8 Performance test, for which he is registered but has yet to be scheduled.

Hank Knerr, Fund Manager