New Euro-Guyana Classical Music Association to promote music, cultural exchange

The newly incorporated Euro-Guyana Classical Music and Opera Association Inc has been established as a non-profit organisation to promote classical music, opera, music education and cultural exchange between Guyana and Europe. The Association, incorporated under the Companies Act of Guyana, began its work earlier this year with the support of European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana Luca Pierantoni, who will serve as its Interim President. Established exclusively for charitable, educational, cultural and artistic purposes, the Association has adopted the motto, inspired by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Its mandate includes staging concerts, recitals, festivals, competitions and opera productions, while creating opportunities for intercultural exchange between Guyanese and European artists and institutions. The organisation also plans to provide structured music education programmes in schools and communities through masterclasses, lectures and workshops. As part of its initial programme of activities, the Association, in collaboration with the Embassy of Spain, will host a concert on October 19, 2026, at St George’s Cathedral featuring Spanish guitarist Armando Orbon. The event follows an opera concert held at the cathedral on June 8, which attracted approximately 900 people. The Association has also launched its official website, www.euroguyanesemusic.org, which will provide information on upcoming performances, masterclasses and community outreach programmes. The website will also allow visitors, artists and music educators to register for membership and access collaborative opportunities.

The Association is governed by an 11-member multidisciplinary Board of Directors comprising musicians, educators, business executives and legal professionals. The board members are Interim President Luca Pierantoni; Vice-President (VP) Christian Sobers; Secretary Leonida Foo; Assistant Secretary Shanette Johnson; Treasurer Dr Alista Bishop; Assistant Secretary Aliyah Hinds; Artistic Director Chie Clarke; Institutional Relations Director Dee George; Training and Education Director Katusha Frazer; Private Sector Relations Director Amber Low; and Legal Affairs Director Alanna Farmer.
Five other Guyanese will serve as professional members of the Association. They are Marilyn Dewar, Russel Lancaster, Dr Wendy Rudder, Kelly Valenzuela and Pauline Mitchell.