A Ghanaian opera, titled “Gifts for Christ: An Opera of Nine Lessons and Carols” is set to present the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols in a contemporary African form, while maintaining the original biblical narrative.
The opera will be performed on Sunday, November 30, at the Association International School in Accra.
This follows its official media launch at the St. Anthony of Padua Anglican Church, Abelenkpe.
The production is designed to take the story of the salvation of mankind beyond church spaces and re-present it as a grand, culturally infused artistic performance.
It visually dramatises the Nine Lessons, from the Fall of Adam in Genesis to the Incarnation in John 1:1, allowing audiences to experience the message through both music and theatre.
The Reverend Dr Akua B. Ofori-Boateng, Creative Director and Director of Programmes for the Anglican Diocese of Accra, said the programme aimed to offer a fresh approach to evangelism.
“The idea is: How do we get others to hear about God and truly understand what the Nine Lessons and Carols represent? How do we do it beyond the church walls? Christ said ‘go’ – not stay in the church,” she said.
Rev. Dr. Ofori-Boateng gave the assurance that the audience should expect a refined and deeply expressive performance grounded in African vocal excellence.
“Something beautiful. Something truly true,” she said.
Mr Kwaku Boakye-Frempong, the Music Director and Composer, said the musical arrangement blended Ghanaian cultural expression with what was traditionally a Western classical form.
“We wanted to take what is traditionally Western and infuse who we are,” he said.
He confirmed the use of traditional African instruments such as the seprewa and the Malian kora, adding that the music draws from classical, Afropop and dancehall styles to appeal to a wide audience.
The casting process was deliberate, selecting musicians and traditionally trained singers for whom the music was specifically composed, Mr Boakye-Frempong noted.
GNA
