Renowned cellist and conductor Walter Michael Vollhardt headlined the enchanting Advent Concert hosted by the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Lagos on Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Held at the consulate’s venue in Victoria Island, the evening showcased Vollhardt’s exceptional artistry alongside performances by musicians from the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) Orchestra and soprano Doris Osuagwu. The event, which officially commenced at 7:00 PM, brought together classical music lovers for an unforgettable night of melody and celebration.
The highlight of the evening was Vollhardt himself, an acclaimed cellist and conductor whose illustrious career spans decades and continents. Vollhardt began as a cello soloist, winning the prestigious Concerto-Aria Competition at Boston University, which led to his American debut with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, he has performed with esteemed orchestras such as the Berlin Radio Orchestra, Czech National Symphony, and Thailand Philharmonic, captivating audiences across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He is also a distinguished mentor, conducting masterclasses worldwide and nurturing young talent.
As the founder of the Sinfonietta of Southern Germany and former Music Director of the Ortenau Orchestra, Vollhardt has continually elevated classical music. Now the Principal Guest Conductor of the MUSON Symphony Orchestra in Lagos, he is making a significant impact on Nigeria’s classical music scene, solidifying his status as a global ambassador for the art form.
The evening’s program showcased an impressive array of classical compositions. The ensemble featured talented instrumentalists, including Walter Michael Vollhardt (violoncello), Vincent Ademola Haastrup (violin), Okubena Abraham Ofeoluwa (violin), Peter Oluwadare Afolarin (violin), Ogbonna Daniel (viola), Ndubuisi Chizaram (violoncello), and Popoola Peter Damilare (flute). Pianist Victor Eze provided accompaniment for the vocal performances.
The concert opened with Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto”, a warm and resonant introduction that set the festive tone. Other highlights included Pachelbel’s timeless “Canon for String Quartet” and Mozart’s “Divertimento KV 138 for String Quartet”.
Doris Osuagwu captivated the audience with her soprano rendition of Handel’s “Aria ‘Rejoice’ from Messiah.” Dressed elegantly in an ivory and brown gown, she delivered a performance filled with passion and finesse. Pianist Victor Eze complemented her voice beautifully, creating a magical synergy that left the audience enthralled.
The evening’s instrumental performances were nothing short of mesmerising. Under the expert guidance of conductor Vollhardt, the eight musicians delivered a seamless interplay of soft and aggressive tones, adjusting their pace masterfully to suit the mood of each piece.
One of the evening’s standout moments was Popoola Peter Damilare’s performance during Bach’s “Badinerie for Flute & Strings”. His spectacular performance earned him a well-deserved spotlight and drew resounding applause from the audience.
Nigerian cultural heritage was also honored with Doris Osuagwu’s stirring rendition of the Yoruba song “Ni Owuro Ojo Keresimesi” composed by Ayo Bankole.
At the conclusion of the program, Vollhardt surprised the audience with a heartfelt gesture. He donated a flute to Popoola Peter Damilare, recognising the young musician’s exceptional talent and dedication. Vollhardt urged attendees to support Nigeria’s classical music scene by donating instruments to local instrumentalists.
The concert concluded at around 8:30 PM after approximately 90 minutes of melodic brilliance. The audience rewarded the performers with a standing ovation and prolonged applause, a testament to the evening’s success.
The Advent Concert was a celebration of the universal language of music, bringing together diverse cultures and talents. The German Consulate General’s initiative highlighted the importance of fostering classical music in Nigeria while creating a platform for local musicians to shine.
As the evening concluded, guests lingered to greet one another and the instrumentalists, enjoying canapés and drinks while sharing in the joy of the event, with the echoes of strings, flute, and soprano harmonies lingering—a perfect herald of the holiday season.
Melissa Enoch
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