When the name Abuja Choral Ensemble is mentioned, what usually comes to mind is class. That, however, does not mean that the group is elitist and beyond the reach of people with modest budgets, according to the group’s Director/Conductor Everyman Eleanya. In this interview with News Express, Eleanya also speaks on his group’s plans for the Yuletide.

News Express: Please tell our readers a bit about the Abuja Choral Ensemble.

Everyman Eleanya: The Abuja Choral Ensemble is a world-class chorale of the finest and brilliant singers, instrumentalists and virtuosi. Founded in 2003, it exists to promote excellence in choral music through participation, education, and appreciation for the highest levels of performance of significant choral literature; through the training and encouragement of choral musicians.

The Ensemble prides itself on a very robust repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary, sacred to secular, indigenous to exotic work and is famed for providing an all-encompassing and unforgettable African choral experience for its audiences and performers.

Every business usually has its “season”. What is the “season” for Abuja Choral Ensemble?

In a way, I would say that the Abuja Choral Ensemble has its “season”. But, all through the year we perform on demand and invitation, and also stage periodic concerts whenever we're able to get sponsorship to do so. However, the end of the year is usually characterised by an upsurge in such demands, buoyed by individual and corporate demands for private Christmas Concerts and performances at events organised to mark the end of the year, Award nights, Valedictory sessions, etc in and outside Abuja. So in a way, one could say that this is the season when we are in very hot demand.

People involved in the entertainment business are usually busies during the Yuletide. Is that the case with you?

Oh yes. The Yuletide, nay, the end of the year as a whole is usually our busiest period for us. I've already given the reason for that.

What are your expectations for this Yuletide and how are you preparing for the season?

The Abuja Choral Ensemble rehearses twice every week from late January to early December. So we are always prepared to perform anywhere and anytime at very short notice. Preparations for this season, however, seem to be more painstaking, given that we are preparing for our 10th Anniversary Concert which will be married with our usual Christmas Concert. Also we are already billed to put up several performances perform in several concerts including at the annual FRCN Christmas Concert.

How affordable are your services? I ask because some people may think you’re unaffordable since you perform at high profile events, including for President Goodluck Jonathan and some other international leaders across the world?

(Laughs out) We indeed are affordable, especially considering how much one comedian or contemporary musician charge for just a 15 minutes performance. But on a more serious note, the focus mainly is on the quality of the service we deliver. We are driven by tremendous passion for what we do, which is providing top quality classical/contemporary solo and choral music entertainment. Every other thing is ancillary. It may also interest you to know that a lot of our performances are on complimentary terms, particularly for diplomatic missions and International bodies. Our performance at the launch of the ‘I am Priceless Campaign’ against human trafficking by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was on complimentary terms; and so many others.

How can one reach you in case he needs your services?

We can be reached on 08029004040, 08061263625 abjensemble@gmail.com, www.abujachoralensemble.com, and on facebook.

What assurance or promise are you giving to fans of the Abuja Choral Ensemble?

We assure them that we shall keep churning out watertight entertainment that appeals to both the cognoscenti and the new initiates. Our fans should also stand by for a most titillating Christmas Concert next month, details of which will be announced soon.

•Photo shows the Abuja Choral Ensemble performing for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

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