Christine MacDonald for NCOJ pre-Valentine season

The Chapel at the University of the West Indies, Mona, will resound with the rich voice of renowned contralto Christine MacDonald when she appears as a featured soloist at the concert opening the National Chorale of Jamaica’s (NCOJ) 2026 season.

The recital, scheduled for Sunday, February 8, at 6 p.m., will feature black British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast and takes place under the patronage of Sir Kenneth Hall, former governor-general of Jamaica, and Lady Rheima Hall.

The concert celebrates the rediscovery of the music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, marking a timely tribute for Black History Month.

Falling within the Valentine’s season, the programme explores love in its many dimensions. In keeping with this theme, MacDonald will also pay homage to Johannes Brahms’ Alto Rhapsody, a deeply emotional work composed in response to the engagement of Julie Schumann, daughter of Brahms’ close friends, Robert and Clara Schumann. Infatuated with Julie, Brahms reportedly referred to the piece as his “bridal song”, using the work to express his feelings of isolation and emotional betrayal.

“Lovers of classical music will be richly rewarded by the seamless blending of love-themed works from these two composers, whose extraordinary compositions have left an indelible mark on the classical canon,” said musical director, Winston Ewart.

Another exceptional performance is anticipated from MacDonald, whose musical roots run deep. From an early age, she accompanied her mother, the late Marilyn Brice-MacDonald, to rehearsals and performances with several choral groups, including the Methodist Chorale, Jamaica Folk Singers, Y Choral, and the National Chorale of Jamaica, an ensemble with which Christine herself has frequently performed. She was also mentored and nurtured by the late Dr. Olive Lewin, founder of the Jamaica Folk Singers.

Coleridge-Taylor was highly esteemed by leading English composers of his time and had praises heaped upon him following the work’s première at the Royal College of Music on November 11, 1898. The Song of Hiawatha received its first complete performance in 1900 at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Chairman of the National Chorale, Christopher Samuda, described the upcoming concert as especially timely and “reinforces the Chorale’s commitment to preserving the classical tradition and celebrating the healing and restorative power of timeless choral music, particularly at a time when Jamaica seeks renewal and restoration”.

In keeping with its educational mission, the National Chorale has invited Corporate Jamaica to sponsor the attendance of selected high-school music students.

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