The University Singers have distinguished themselves as one of the Caribbean’s leading choral groups with their versatile repertoire of classical choral works, American Negro spirituals, jazz, gospel and original music composed by Caribbean writers. Always a favorite at Brooklyn Colleges Brooklyn Center, Jamaica’s cultural ambassadors return with a joyous holiday program that will include a mix of Christmas music, Caribbean rhythms, Jamaican songs and a tribute to Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence. From festive native songs like “When the Star of Bethlehem Arise” to folk ballads like “De River Ben Come Dung,” the University Singers will captivate you with this riveting performance.
Since their founding in 1957, The University Singers of the University of the West Indies (UWI) have grown from an ensemble of seven undergraduate students to more than forty undergraduate and graduate members. Performing a versatile repertoire of classical choral works, original music by Caribbean composers, American Negro Spirituals, Jazz and Gospel arrangements, The University Singers have distinguished themselves as one of the leading choral groups in the Caribbean.
The singers have performed around the world, and in the presence of many notable figures including, former South African President Nelson Mandela; the former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Anan; former Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu; Queen Elizabeth II; and former Botswana President Dr. Quett Massire.
The University Singers have been recognized with the prestigious Jamaican Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in 2003, the Vice Chancellor’s Award for sterling contribution to the University of the West Indies, and a National Gold Musgrave Medal from the country’s premiere institution of culture, the Institute of Jamaica.
Brooklyn Center’s presentation of Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers is made possible, in part, through the generous support of the Macy’s Foundation. Artist hospitality is graciously provided by Crystal Manor.
About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College Founded in 1954, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College presents outstanding performing arts and arts education programs at affordable prices, embracing the diverse communities that define Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center welcomes over 65,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org.
Christmas in the Caribbean with The University Singers Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 8pm Tickets: $45/$36 Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College 2 train to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue. Online orders: www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday – Saturday, 1pm – 6pm Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600 x3331
