The sounds of Africa

THE air around The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama was once again filled with the glorious voices of The Manama Singers on Friday evening.

This time, however, the sounds were different ... very different, in fact. African Sanctus had come to town!

It was created by David Fanshawe as a result of his travels around North East Africa over a period of four years. African Sanctus is essentially a juxtaposition of Latin Sung Mass with recordings of the natural sounds of Africa (including a highly vocal chorus of frogs) plus native African voices raised in affirmation and religious praise.

I first heard it in 1975 and rushed out to secure my copy of the recording. The alleys of Muharraq were treated to the cow bells and the sound of the muezzin calling people to prayer at odd times for many, many years until firstly my record player and later my tape recorder gave up on me! Now, after Friday's performance I have the CD. So ... we're back in action!

African Sanctus is so much more than its description as a choral work. It not only brings musicians and singers together in a belief in 'One Music, One God'. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit even in the face of adversity.

As an added bonus David Fanshawe gave us a pre- concert talk, a potted history of how African Sanctus came about. Surprisingly, both of us had aged since 1975 (and put weight on), but the twinkle was still there in his eye and his love of the work was just as strong as 35 years ago.

He brought to life the people behind the African voices we would be hearing. As I knew this by heart, I had time to reflect that, for me at least, seeing him standing alone on the stage surrounded by microphones and music stands diminished him and the enormity of what he had achieved.

How much more effective it would have been if The Manama Singers had stayed in situ and provided a colourful backdrop we will never know. The choral work itself was just amazing and The Manama Singers and The Sanctus Band should be giving themselves a pat on the back.

The 13 movements were virtually note perfect, from the towering strength of the opening African Sanctus to the haunting Luo Ritual Burial Dance the choir held us under their spell. The evening flew past all too quickly leaving me desperate for more.

The Youth Choirs sung beautifully bringing listeners close to tears with their rendition of The Lord's Prayer providing a moment I think the audience will treasure long after the children have all grown up.

The surprise of the evening was the soloist, Soprano Katerina Mina. She appeared on the stage like a little sparrow and proceeded to sing with aplomb and joy de vie. She added layers of depth and visualisation to the work that any singer coming after her will be hard put to replicate.

I must just mention the Sanctus Band and especially Michelle Mills on the piano. Every one of them made their part of the score into the most important sound we heard. It was magical.

And once again all kudos is due to Alistair Auld. He not only challenges the Manama Singers with each new work he chooses but provides a backbone of excellent conducting skills to support his choir and musicians.

It will be interesting to see what the next concert season brings, in the meantime, thank you Manama Singers, Sanctus Band and Katerina Mina for a wonderful evening. - By Christine Hasan