The Musical Society of Nigerian (MUSON) Choir, in collaboration with the multiple award-winning music director, Michael Vallhardt and other popular Nigerian musicians thrilled their Nigerian audience at local coronation concert for King Charles III held recently in Lagos.
The concert organized by MUSON Center and the British High Commission in honour of the newly crowned King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom featured international acclaimed musicians, award winning choirs, musicologists, and music directors within and outside Nigeria.
Mesmerizing the audience with its outstanding renditions, was The MUSON Symphony Orchestra whose vocal prowess and skillful talents on the musical instruments drew thunderous applause from the audience as it traversed a musical repertoire of local and international songs, from Ki Le N’ F’ Oba Pe, The King Rejoice, Hallelujah among others conducted by the German-born, Michael Villhardt.
Similarly, the MUSON Choir conducted by Nigerian musicologist and director, Emeka Nwokedi gave a stirring performance at the event.
Speaking at the concert, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Richard Montgomery described relations between Nigeria and Britain as most cordial and of topmost to the newly crowned monarch, hence the King’s past three visits to Nigeria.
“Remarkably in 1990, he laid the foundation of the MUSON Center as the then Prince of Wales. And during his 2018 visit, he spoke in Nigerian Pidgin English.”
The British monarch’s love for Nigeria, Montgomery said initiated his invitation of popular Nigerian artiste, Tiwa Savage to perform at his coronation on May 6, in England.
“I appreciate the Musical Society of Nigeria for honouring the British monarch with this classical concert,” he said.
Special guest of the occasion, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu recalling his memorable meeting with the King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) said the monarch deserved the world class performance rendered by MUSON Center.
He further added, “as one of the sponsors of the Queen’s Commonwealth Quiz Competition, we will continue to support it. Now I believe it should be renamed the King’s Commonwealth Quiz Competition, since the new monarchy is a King.”
Concert organizers noted that the concert is aimed at promoting an understanding, and the performance of the classical and contemporary music in Nigeria.