MUSON Marks 30 Years of Music Festival with 10 Concerts and 500 Graduates

The Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) is celebrating the 30th edition of its annual music festival from October 25 to November 8. The festival will include 10 concerts and a symposium that will showcase various music styles such as opera, jazz, and orchestral music.

This year’s theme is “Music Sustained.” The festival also celebrates 43 years of MUSON and 20 years of its Diploma School of Music, which has graduated over 500 students. Many of these graduates have made significant contributions to music education and performance both in Nigeria and internationally.

MUSON Chairman Louis Mbanefo shared details about the festival during a press briefing at the MUSON Centre in Lagos. He highlighted the organization’s history as a testament to what can be achieved when people work together with shared resources and dedication.

MUSON was founded in 1983 by notable Nigerians, including Akintola Williams and Ayo Rosiji. The organization has continued its work through income from its facilities and donations from individuals and businesses.

The festival will kick off with a musical brunch on October 25, followed by the comic opera “The Mikado.” Other events include a concert featuring Diploma School students on October 27, a jazz party on October 30, and drama performances on October 31 sponsored by Chevron.

The MUSON Symphony Orchestra, led by visiting conductor Walter Michael Vollhardt, will perform on November 1. A symposium titled “Collabo: Music Meets Technology” will take place on November 3, discussing the link between music and new technologies, including artificial intelligence.

The festival will conclude on November 8 with a gala concert by the MUSON Choir, directed by Emeka Nwokedi and sponsored by TotalEnergies EP.