28th MUSON Festival Kicks Off: A Celebration of Revival in the Arts

The 28th annual MUSON Festival, organised by the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), is set to commence on October 13, 2024, and will run until October 27, 2024, at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos. This year’s festival, themed “Revival,” aims to revitalise the arts amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges and promises a vibrant lineup of performances, exhibitions, and competitions.

Festival Highlights

The festival will kick off with an Art exhibition and brunch, showcasing works from renowned Nigerian artists, including Uche Okeke and Lamidi Fakeye. The opening event will also feature the opera Dido and Aeneas, conducted by John Lucien Eclou, performed by the Diploma School Opera and Orchestra.

Key events throughout the festival include:

MUSON Day Concert on October 15, celebrating the society’s anniversary.
The Musiquest Children’s Competition on October 18, which encourages young talent in vocal and instrumental categories.
A Jazz Night scheduled for October 25, promising an evening of exceptional jazz performances.
The second operatic performance, Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini, will take place on October 26.

The festival will culminate in a grand gala concert on October 27, featuring a full performance of Joseph Haydn’s oratorio The Creation, conducted by Maestro Emeka Nwokedi.

Commitment to the Arts

Louis Mbanefo, SAN, Chairman of MUSON Board of Trustees, emphasised the importance of this year’s theme, stating that it reflects a commitment to revitalising the arts despite economic adversities. He noted that MUSON has been a cornerstone for promoting classical music in Nigeria since its inception in 1983, having produced numerous talented musicians through its accredited schools.

The festival has garnered support from various sponsors, including Chevron, TotalEnergies, and individual benefactors like Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma. Many events are free to attend, allowing broader access to cultural experiences. As the festival unfolds over the next two weeks, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Nigeria’s artistic community. The festival continues MUSON’s tradition of promoting classical music and fostering young talent.

By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub

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