Local

"The Bahamas National Youth Choir under the direction of Cleophas R.E. Adderley can sing anything. I do not say that lightly."

Nicolette Bethel, Nassau Guardian, March/April 1993

The Bahamas National Youth Choir accomplishment may be that it takes ordinary situations and melodically and dramatically represents them. In essence, the Choir holds a mirror up to the nation so that it could see itself in a way that we would laugh, cry and be inspired.”

Michael Pintard, Poet, The Tribune, April 1994

 

“The Bahamas National Youth Choir exemplifies all that is good, vibrant and brilliant in music in the Bahamas – or anywhere else for that matter.”

Andrew Curry, The Tribune, April, 1993

 

“If one takes the musical terms, balance, musicianship, artistry and discipline, the ingredients required in choral technique, the end product is The (Bahamas) National Youth Choir.”

Pauline Glasby, Coordinator of Music and Senior Lecturer, College Of The Bahamas, The Nassau Guardian, March, 1992

 

“The members are a tremendous testament to the kind of talent this country is capable of producing…  The choir is a product of its director, Cleophas (Adderley), whose drive and commitment makes him a person who demands high standards.  He doesn’t settle for anything less than the best.”

Mrs. Kayla Edwards, Deputy Director of Culture, Bahamas Government, April, 1995

 
 

Cleophas himself is such a wonderful musician and instrumentalist.  He has trained the choir to treat their voices like instruments, and it is very effective.”

Dr. Keva Bethel, Principal, College Of The Bahamas, April, 1995

 

“One measure of the greatness of this Choir is their ability to take a crowd through the range of emotions even though you know it is a performance.  Each song created a world of its owns.”

“The Bahamas National Youth Choir accomplishment may be that it takes ordinary situations and melodically and dramatically represents them.  In essence, the Choir holds a mirror up to the nation so that it could see itself in a way we could laugh, cry and be inspired.”

Michael Pintard, Poet, The Tribune, March, 1992

 

“After hearing the National Youth Choir’s compact disc, you may think that there is no way for them to duplicate the effect.  Their voices might just have been a concoction created in the studio; and there is no way for them to duplicate the melodious sounds live.  See them on stage tonight at the Dundas and they will prove you right.  There is no way for them to duplicate the C D – they surpassed it.”

Christopher Saunders, Staff Reporter, The Nassau Guardian, March 30, 1996

 
 

International

“As organizers, we were bowled over at the quality of (the Choir’s) performance, and public response.”

Doris Sanchez, Coordinator of The Earth Song Festival, Canada, June 1992

 

Gloria Anderson, Director of Research and Reference at the Canada Labour Relations Board was compelled to write that she, “was overwhelmed by the degree of professionalism” of the Choir, and that “the choir, and Mr. Adderley, are indeed national treasures worth preserving.” June 1992

 

Allan Argue wrote most enthusiastically for the Toronto Sun:  “In concert, this is not just a fine choir of talented young voices, this is a ensemble of fresh spirits who have a singular purpose; and that purpose is to entertain.”

They have a sincerity and quality of performance that poses a joy-filled magic that reaches out to captivate the listener. They also show great “pride of purpose” in representing their country and their culture… May, 1995

The closing number of each performance seemed to say it all – Celebrate; and that’s what this  group does 100% of their time on stage.

In this closing number they came out into the audience and almost instantly many audience members were joining in the dance, while the rest of the patrons clapped to the rhythm of the music…  The only downside of the entire weekend was having to say goodbye.”

 

The Swedish Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency, Harken Berggren, stated that the performance given by the Choir was “Marvelous’” and exclaimed, “I am sure that both the Choir, and the Director, are headed for a future of great recognition!”
June 1992

 

“The repertoire by the Bahamas National Youth Choir was mainly traditional, but the presentation moved with equal degree of professionalism, grace, ease and excellence from very disciplined, almost classical harmonies to the joyful exuberant, theatrical celebration of everyday life – doing the wash, selling fish, and of course, love songs.”

“With colorful costumes, dancing, theatrics, and drumming, the group of about forty incredibly talented young people brought a feeling of joyfulness and celebration!”
Sheila Cavanagh, News Express, Guelph, Canada, May, 1995

 

“This choir is one of those rare groups with a glorious blend. From solo turns in several numbers, it’s clear there are many soloists in the group, and a few who could easily be on the operatic stage.

This does not interfere with the ensemble sound, but ads to it.  And if that weren’t enough, the group does dances and appears in beautiful cottons and silks in vivid patterns and colors.”

Colleen Johnson, The Record, Guelph, Canada, May 15, 1995