National Remembrance Day Concert

The Starlight Global Foundation and The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas were proud to present The Bahamas National Remembrance Day Concert.

On the occasion of Remembrance Day 2012, Nassau City Opera Company in collaboration with The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), The Royal British Legion and The Royal Society of St. George, under the Distinguished Patronage of Their Excellencies Sir Arthur and Lady Joan Foulkes, performed Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem (Mass for the Dead) on November 9, at Christ Church Cathedral.

The Requiem commemorated the many Bahamian World War I & II Heroes and the four Bahamian marines; Fenrick Sturrup, Austin Smith, David Tucker and Edward Williams, whose lives were tragically lost, when the HMBS Flamingo was unjustly attacked by Cuban MIGS off Ragged Island on May 10th, 1980; as well as the fallen Policemen who lost their lives in the line of duty and service to our country.

This performance marked the first time this work was being performed in the musical history of The Bahamas (since being composed 138 years ago) and was executed under the direction of Dr. Cleveland A. Williams, featuring Candace Boswick - Soprano, Virginia Zonicle- Mezzo Soprano, Garrad Rigby - Tenor and Chrales Zonilce, Bass with the Nassau City Opera Singers and the Woodwind, Brass, Percussion musicians and choir members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The musical accompaniment was further enhanced with the partnership of seven US based musicians, i.e. 2 Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Cellos and an organist.