African-Canadian Pianist Ronée Boyce in Benefit Concert for 'El Sistema Bahamas'

[Ronée Boyce (Photo Credit: Dre Vilar Photography, www.drevilar.com)]

Ronée Boyce is an African-Canadian concert pianist and Artistic Director of The Neapolitan Connection Concert Series in Toronto, http://www.neapolitanconnection.com/ She has recently corresponded with AfriClassical to introduce herself and her organization. Here are excerpts from her latest email:

“Thank you very kindly for your reply, along with the links and contact info. Professional classical musicians of African descent tend to be somewhat far and few, at least here in Canada, and so we are happy to make contact when we come across them. Your promotional and educational involvement in this area is most commendable.”

“We would like to potentially involve more classical musicians of African descent to play with us in our concert series for next year's season (particularly cellists and oboists) - if you can aid in putting the word out regarding this in any way it would be very much appreciated.”

Ronée Boyce sent a copy of a newspaper article which appeared this Summer in The Tribune of the Bahamas; here are excerpts:

“Canada's Neapolitan Connection Concert Series performs Benefit Concert for El Sistema Bahamas

Published On: Thursday, June 16, 2011

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

UNDER the theme and program 'El Sistema,' the Bahamas Music Conservatory has been working along with the Bahamian government to bring the orchestral program, which has been saving lives of young children in Venezuela, to the Bahamas. According to promoters, the program is due to start in September 2011 at Cleveland Eneas Primary School in Nassau Village.

“Canadian concert pianist, Ronée Boyce, said in a statement: 'I taught music at a school for underprivileged children in Toronto, and have experienced firsthand the everlasting benefits of sharing the gift of music with young minds.'” “Tribune Religion understands that Ronée Boyce, along with Sybil Shanahan and Sharon Lee, two of her musical colleagues from Canada, have agreed to play a benefit concert in support of the Bahamas Music Conservatory's 'El Sistema Bahamas' program.”

"Ronée, Sybil and Sharon are only three out of fourteen Canadian Musicians who are traveling to the Bahamas at the beginning of July. The group is set to perform in the Nassau City Opera Company's production of Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess'. This popular opera will be performed at the Rainforest Theater July 5, 6 and 7 with the gala performance being held on July 10, 2011. Tickets are available at the Dundas Center for the Performing Arts Box Office.”