Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer

The University Singers perform at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, University of the West Indies, Mona, last Sunday. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

In a society which is traditionally bipolar in its treatment of Jamaica's musical heritage, a University Singers performance is always a welcome addition to the landscape, as they present an array of genres.

With equal aplomb they have presented arrangements of classical songs, spirituals, folk and popular music, and Sunday evening's performance stuck with this tradition.

The performances are usually engaging for the music as well as the well-crafted movement that enhances their selections, particularly in the folk and popular music categories.

The group, comprising a talented and, more importantly, well-trained group of voices, restaged their 2006 concert season last weekend at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts, University of the West Indies, Mona.

Not at full strength

Although the choir was not at its full strength for Sunday evening's show, the energy and vitality of the performances were quite up to their usual standard. The first segment performance featured the widest range of genres, spreading from classical to pop.

The songs included the delightful duet Joys of Love, as well as Dry Bones, which is beautifully arranged with numerous percussive instruments by L. Geartheart. The latter part of the segment featured arrangements of the works of Garnet Silk and Junior Gong.

The second half of the show featured largely folk and folk-oriented songs, and was largely oriented around humour. Two suites of songs were culled from the Pantomime repertoire. The first featured See It Ya, Wash Day and the witty pieces One Ting Lead to Another and The Warning Song. Later, a segment dubbed 'The Political Suite' featured songs form the Pantomime Mandeyah. The segment was an interesting conversation between politicians and their constituents, and also included what might be deemed a "tribute to Prime Minister Portia Simpson".

Also featured was 'Caribbean Rhythms', the band interlude which, using Katherine Brown's exciting arrangements, highlighted the skills of the musicians. The performance ended with the rockers medley, Chune In, arranged by Djeanne Greaves.

At the end of the evening the University Singers had provided a very enjoyable evening of music, peppered with drama that lived up to their reputation. By their standard the season was not outstanding, but their standard is a high one, and Sunday's performance was certainly in keeping with it.