Kenya: London Adventist Choir Returns

Kenya: London Adventist Choir Returns

Business Daily (Nairobi)

30 January 2008
Posted to the web 30 January 2008

Mwenda Wa Micheni

A performance by the London Adventist Chorale at the Arboretum last year easily evoked the words of the late Thomas Carlyle.

In his wisdom, Carlyle, likened the power of (good) music to that of speech of angels. "In fact, nothing among the utterances allowed to man is felt to be so divine it brings us near to the infinite," said the Scottish essayist, satirist, and historian, whose work was hugely influential during the Victorian era.

Once again this year, the third time in a row, the London Adventist choir is coming back in the country with their soothing voices to wash away the tears of helplessness that have been flowing in the country.

Under the cheerful direction of Ken Burton, the group born in 1981 has blossomed into a sensational gospel group, having entertained in several cities around the world besides winning numerous awards.

Their repertoire includes spirituals, classical music, hymns and contemporary gospel - with most of the music arranged or composed by Burton himself. Unlike other choirs, the group shows dynamism and will effortlessly perform anything from the Vivaldi Gloria to the latest gospel music.

Every performance in their act targets to speak to the soul. They have performed songs like Were You There? There Is a Balm in Gilead, which tells of God's willingness to heal, forgive and make mankind whole.

The triumphant hymn Amazing Grace, which was inspired by an experience of a former slave trader, John Newton, continues to inspire tormented souls. Sung by any other groups, the song can easily bore - it has been heard on so many occasions.

According to Burton, when London Chorale performs this piece, they strive to offer resonance with the humansoul's life experiences and desires: "(I mean) the desires for freedom and salvation, the reality of experiencing many dangers and persevering, the recognition that whilst we do possess a certain amount of strength, it is ultimately something or someone greater than ourselves, outside of ourselves - who can save us." This is achieved by breathing life into the piece through theatrics of live performance.

When it was founded, the group was only a church-based choir. Gradually, the outfit spread out, reaching out to a broader audience.

Music scholars who have taken a keen interest in this group say the offerings by London Chorale are a unique brand of spirituals, classical part - songs, traditional and contemporary gospel to many concert houses and countries. That is how it has cut a niche in the competitive space.

Having proved their vocal worth, the Chorale has taken part in many national and international radio and television broadcasts.

But the choir's crowning moment was in 2002 when the Chorale was presented with the Prom at the Palace for Queen Elizabeth's 50th Year Jubilee Anniversary concerts at Buckingham Palace.

Apart from the regular concerts in the United Kingdom, the chorale has also toured Australia, Canada, Eire, France, Holland, Spain, USA, Turkey, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Through his books, recordings, performances and participation in several broadcast programmes, Burton's musical activities are experienced world-wide. His music blends formal training, the lifelong experience in free and improvised music, and musical skills.

Added to this is the choir director's faith, the strength that, as inspirational author Norman Vincent Peale says, is the power that works wonders.

Raised in a home with a strong West Indian Christian foundation, music making was a regular activity as the family would gather to sing and play together.

Burton's musical interests were further developed when he started accompanying his church choirs at the age of nine. Studies in music were consistent, from national exams through to post-graduate professional development, from the highly acclaimed Trinity School and the University of London.

Burton's musical landscape covers performance, recording, composition, production, directing and education in all areas, media, and continents.

He appears on television and radio programmes including Songs of Praise, How Music Works, East Enders, X-Factor, Top of the Pops, Prom at the Palace and Mike Doyle. In 2005, he was commissioned to write several large-scale works including Soul Symphony - a suite of symphonic and choral works for City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and large chorus.

His interest in Kenya and Africa? "I am almost certainly a descendant of Africans who were part of the slave trade in the Caribbean," he says.