The tonal magic of a cappella reverberated through the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in New York as The Signal Hill Alumni Choir mesmerised the packed audience with a handful of deftly-performed folk and gospel renditions. The Scarborough-based 30-member musical outfit was in the Big Apple as part of the "seven best choirs in the world," selected to perform at a music festival commemorating the signing of the UN Charter in June 1945. After the consulate performance, the group was hailed as Ambassadors of Peace by Patrick Sciarratta, executive director of Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) behind a special New York musical festival to commemorate the signing of the United Nations Charter in June 1945. Sciarratta said the world-acclaimed group was selected for its "sheer genius," and was a testament to its growing global appeal.
"We selected the top seven choirs in the world to honour this once-in -a-lifetime event, and Signal Hill was an automatic choice," he said. He noted that the group's participation contributed to greater cultural awareness and understanding among peoples of diverse backgrounds. "Our foundation is part of the UN Department of Public Information which uses culture to bring people together," Sciarratta said. He identified religion, economics, and politics as polarising factors that "tear us apart," and thanked Signal Hill for its new role as "peacemakers." The Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in New York, Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam echoed similar sentiments, referring to the musical group as a "harbinger of cultural unity." She called the performers "part of the Tobago's tradition of excellence, and the undisputed champions of folk, jazz, gospel and indigenous music." She also alluded to Dwight York and ANR Robinson-fellow Tobagonians-who she said had made an indelible contribution to the global stature of T&T.
In a brief address, musical director of the world-famous choir John Arnold touted the family-like bond shared by members of the choir. Signal Hill Alumni Choir, officially founded in 1982, and winner of many prestigious local and international accolades, including the Hummingbird Award in 1997, also performed at New York University's Tishman Hall, The Avery Hall at Lincoln Center, and the UN General Assembly Hall, where a special stage was erected to accommodate what was described as a rare performance. The group was later celebrated on a cruise along the Hudson River. Thousands attended the weekend festival. • Dr Glenville Ashby is a New-York-based author and journalist. glenvilleashby@gmail.com