By Akumbu Uche
The Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO) hosted a farewell concert in honour of its founder and Creative Director, Mrs. Maria Cecilia Toledo de Schmillen and her husband, the outgoing German ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Joachim Christoph Schmillen at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on June 5.
Mrs. Schmillen, who is a mezzo-soprano and an internationally renowned opera singer, established the AMEMUSO in 2006 as an avenue for Nigerians, especially children to develop their musical careers. Since their inception, the ensemble has performed at numerous high-profile events including the recent Presidential Inauguration.
Mrs. Schmillen used the opportunity to thank the audience for all the support given to AMEMUSO over the past years.
“Our dream is to bequeath a lasting legacy in the performing arts for Nigerians. With your unflinching support, our dream is fast becoming a reality. We cannot thank you enough”, she said.
She added that despite her departure from Nigeria, AMEMUSO would continue with its projects including its tradition of hosting the annual Opera Abuja Festival, hence the theme of the evening, “The Show Must Go On”.
The wife of Vice President Namadi Sambo, Hajiya Amina opened the occasion acknowledged
AMEMUSO’s unique contribution to artistic creativity in Nigeria and the importance of music and culture to society.
Guests and invitees included the choir’s Grand Patron, General T.Y. Danjuma, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, media mogul Nduka Obaigbena and representatives from the French and German embassies.
The different genres of music featured ranged from classical opera to jazz to Nigerian gospel. Songs performed included Carl Orff’s ‘O Fortuna’ and selections from George Bizet’s ‘Carmen’, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘The Sound of Music’ and Laz Ekwueme’s Chorales.
Musical guest, Dare Art Alade performed alongside the ensemble and premiered his upcoming single, ‘Cure the World’.
Veteran comedian Ali Baba and celebrity compère Dayo Benjamin Laniyi, anchored the occasion.
