A new non-profit dedicated to classical music and opera has been formally incorporated in Guyana, backed by EU Ambassador Luca Pierantoni and built on a motto borrowed from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
The Euro-Guyana Classical Music and Opera Association Inc, which began earlier this year, was incorporated under the Companies Act of Guyana exclusively for charitable, educational, cultural and artistic purposes.
The Association’s strategic mandate includes performances and cultural exchange, staging concerts, recitals, festivals, competitions and opera productions that foster intercultural dialogue between Guyanese and European artists and institutions.
It also includes music education and community outreach, providing structured educational programmes in schools and local communities, including masterclasses, lectures and workshops.
As one of its first major events, building on the experience of its last opera concert at St George’s Cathedral on June 8, which was attended by approximately 900 people, the Association will collaborate with the Embassy of Spain to host a concert on October 19 at St George’s Cathedral featuring renowned Spanish guitarist Armando Orbon.
To coincide with its formal establishment, the Association has launched its official website, which is now live at www.euroguyanesemusic.org. The platform will serve as a central hub for updates on upcoming performances, masterclasses and community outreach programmes, with visitors, artists and music educators able to register for membership and access collaborative opportunities directly through the portal.
The Association is governed by an eleven-member multidisciplinary Board of Directors combining leadership, seasoned musicians and educators, business executives and legal expertise.
They are Interim President Luca Pierantoni, Vice-President Christian Sobers, Secretary Leonida Foo, Assistant Secretary Shanette Johnson, Treasurer Dr Alista Bishop, Assistant Secretary Aliyah Hinds, Artistic Director Chie Clarke, Institutional Relations Director Dee George, Training and Education Director Katusha Frazer, Private Sector Relations Director Amber Low and Legal Affairs Director Alanna Farmer.
Additionally, five other distinguished Guyanese will serve as professional members: Marilyn Dewar, Russel Lancaster, Dr Wendy Rudder, Kelly Valenzuela and Pauline Mitchell.
