The Mansek Orchestra performed a number of different pieces, including Handel's Fireworks Suite (complete with Fiifi using the Harpsichord setting on the piano) and Papageno's Song from Mozart's Magic Flute (with Quayson playing the flute). We also played two of our favourites- Little Brown Jug and My Bonnie. All of the teachers played traditional Ghanaian music on their (western) instreuments, which was very moving, and so inspiring to see them assimilate classical influences into their native Ghanaian music. There were various solos and duets also from the younger Mansek students, and all of students joined together to sing The Mansek Anthem, Ode to Joy (together with the orchestra) and a rousing finale medley of Swing Low Swing Chariot and When The Saints (conducted by a very enthusiastic Quayson!). My brass group also from Chapel Hill played two pieces (augmented by a fantastic percussion section), dressed in very smart red and black jackets, and a number of local choirs sang, including an incredible a capella choir who were breathtaking!

The whole evening was very Ghanaian, starting an hour late, with much laughter and informality with each item introduced by an enthusiastic MC! The church was beautiful, with stained glass on 3 sides, a great venue. Kate really enjoyed being part of it all, playing clairinet with the orchestra, duets with Baaba, and even a duet with me on trombone ('Guaglione'!)! The good news is that a DVD has been made of the concert, which I will purchase several copies of! Hopefully it will give a flavour of a very special evening.

It was wonderful to see how much the students have come on since I started working with them 6 months ago, especially the orchestra and the Chapel Hill boys, who only started learning 2 months ago and gave one of the best performances of the evening. It was also very satisfying to have organised a concert that drew upon so many different musical traditions, which were all enjoyed by a large and receptive audience. My vision was for a concert not exclusively for classical or Ghanaian music, but simply a concert of music where everybody could appreciate the different approaches to music making. Indeed, my trip has been one of real cultural exchange, which was well represented by the musical performances on Saturday night.

Adventures with Kate!

As soon as Kate arrived, we went straight to Green Turtle Lodge for a week, and she fell in love with it just as I did all those months ago! Since being back in Takoradi we've been in Mansek most days to help prepare for the concert, but this week we have been taking some exciting day trips. Last Sunday we went to a very exclusive beach resort at Axim, where we enjoyed swimming in a beautiful calm bay and lounging in the shade. On Tuesday we had a long day at Cape Coast, where we visited Kakum National Park, and braved a rope walkway suspended 40m above the trees! After lunch at Hans Cottage, where we wacthed crocodiles in the surrounding lake, we visited Cape Coast Castle, which was the centre of the Ghanaian slave trade (abolished exactly 200 years ago). Undoubtedly our highlight so far, apart from the concert, was learning to surf at Busua Beach. We were both total beginners, but soon got the hang of it, and after a morning lesson and a long lunch, we spent the afternoon on our own in the sea, catching wave after wave, so exhilarating!! After another 10 days at Green Turtle Lodge, we will return for some more surfing before heading back to England in just over three weeks.

Anyway, must go, sorry this has been written so hastely! Have a very happy Easter, and see you soon....

from James