It’s considered to be one of the most difficult musical instruments to play but 15-year-old Sunday Kelechi Nwuko, a scholarship student at the MUSON School of Music, courtesy of MTN Foundation, led the school’s 15-man orchestra with a violoncello at the Donors Appreciation Concert which held last night in honour of MTN Foundation at the MUSON Centre, Onikan.
The Donors Appreciation Concert which entered its 10th edition this year was put together by the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), to show appreciation to MTN Foundation, the Corporate Social Investment vehicle of the telecommunications giant for its sponsorship initiative in the last nine years.
There were also series of musical performances at the concert, ranging from Vocal Ensemble, African Music Ensemble, Poetry, Opera, School band etc. by the students who have just completed the first year of their two-year scholarship from MTN Foundation.
Mrs. Marion Akpata, Director of MUSON School of Music, commended MTN Foundation for its nine years commitment to grooming the next generation of music scholars. “MUSON has grown under the care of MTN Foundation, and for this we are eternally grateful. In these nine years of your support, we have produced over 200 graduates who had benefitted from your generosity,” she said.
Responding to the outpouring of heartfelt appreciation, Mr. Dennis Okoro, Director of MTN Foundation thanked the Musical Society of Nigeria for giving MTN the opportunity to touch lives and to pave way for a beautiful Christmas celebration with the beautiful and melodious renditions which we have come to enjoy.
The MTNF/MUSON project commenced in 2006, when MUSON approached the Foundation to assist students with modest means, who might not be able to pay the fees needed to run the Diploma programme. In response, the Foundation surprised the institution by providing scholarships to all the students. To date, a total of over 200 students have graduated from the music school in a nine-year period. The graduands have gone ahead to prove their mettle in their chosen areas of specialization.
See more pictures from the event after the cut.