On Saturday evening, 26 January, an invited audience of over three hundred attended the launch of the Adventist Musicians' Association at Newbold College. Those invited were chosen for their interest and involvement in the world of Adventist music and many present were either professional or semi-professional musicians. The programme itself was held in Salisbury Hall from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm and included introductions, explanations, performances and audience participation.
The AMA launch began with a keynote address from TED President Dr Bertil Wiklander. An accomplished musician himself Dr Wiklander revealed to the audience that he also had an interest in composing and, were it not for the fact that God had led him to serve in an administrative capacity in the Church he might well have found himself involved in music ministry of some kind.
BUC President Pastor Cecil Perry attended the AMA launch, together with his wife, and afterwards commented on the breadth of talent which the artists present represented. "We have much to be proud of in the Adventist Church in the British Isles," he said. "The British Union is happy to join the TED in sponsoring an event like this and we hope that it will lead to even more musical excellence in the future." TED Communication director Pastor Miroslav Pujic was the main driving force behind the launch of AMA and has been holding preliminary committees and organisational meetings for over a year in preparation for the event. "We are hoping that AMA will become a successful organisation right across the Trans-European Division," he said.
Hosts for the evening were Joann Kristensen and David McQueen, and together they introduced a wide range of music to the audience as well as a number of speakers who were presenting the concept of AMA. Among the performers were: concert pianist Laura Diimitrva; an Asian group led by Wilfred Massih and assisted by Chris Rogers; the Cooper brothers, who performed two trumpet items; Tina Brookes, who sang "Two Times Mine"; Paul Lee, who later sang a duet with Tina Brookes, backed by the London Adventst Chorale; and Aleta King who led the audience in a "Praise Time", assisted by Newbold's own "Moor Close" band. The final performance of the evening was a song entitled "Soon ah will be done", by the London Adventist Chorale, conducted by Ken Burton.
Perhaps because of the fact that the audience was made of musicians, the musical items themselves, as well as the musical diversity exhibited during the evening, were particularly well appreciated. Ken Burton's sensitivity and his ability to "play" the London Adventist Chorale like an instrument were awe-inspiring. However the new sounds of the Asian group were equally inspiring, though in a different way, and the piercing clarity and rich overtones of the trumpets when Phillip and David Cooper played "the holy city", was yet another experience.
Interspersed between the musical items were items of information from members of the AMA management team. AMA President, Paul Lee, spoke of the need to raise the standards of music in our church and worship services. "By so doing," he said, "we will help to raise the profile of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the British Isles." He concluded by saying, "I challenge you to commit yourselves to excellence before the King of Kings."
Events Manager, Trevor Johnson, spoke of his hopes for the future. These included an Adventist "Prom Praise", having some of our choirs backed by a full symphony Orchestra, and an Awards Ceremony for Adventist musicians and artists.
Fred Shone, AMA Treasurer, spoke about the practical matters of membership. "AMA is an enabling organisation," he said, "it is a network of musicians who will be able to interact and call on each other's skills." He went on to outline the proposals which have been made for a web-site and on-line database which will be available to all members.
Chris Rogers, Vice President of AMA, brought hope to those "aspiring musicians" who were not yet up to the standard of those who performed during the evening. Encouraging those who may feel that they are just "learning" to play an instrument he said, "a musician is someone who plays music. If you play an instrument, whatever stage you are at, then you are a musician."
The full AMA Management Team includes: Miroslav Pujic, Paul Lee, Chris Rogers, Aleta King, Fred Shone, Ken Burton, Trevor Johnson and Lilla Skopek. If you would like to receive an application form please write to: Music Co-ordinator, BUC Office, Stanborough Park, Watford, WD25 9JZ.
