Dr. Chukwuebuka Ezeakacha's Groundbreaking Achievement in Choral Music Conducting
In a remarkable achievement, Dr. Chukwuebuka Ezeakacha has become the first Nigerian to earn a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Choral Conducting. This milestone marks a significant breakthrough for Nigeria and the African continent in the realm of classical music.
Early Life and Education
Born in Enugu, Nigeria, in 1988, Dr. Ezeakacha's musical journey began at a young age. He grew up in a family that valued music and the arts, and his early exposure to choral music would eventually shape his career path. Dr. Ezeakacha's academic pursuits took him to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts. He later moved to the United States, where he completed a Master of Science degree in Communication at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, followed by a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Oklahoma.
A Career Marked by Excellence
Dr. Ezeakacha's choral conducting experience spans over two decades, with a repertoire that includes a wide range of styles and genres. Throughout his musicianship, he has conducted works by notable composers such as Palestrina, Monteverdi, Josquin des Prez, William Byrd, Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert, as well as contemporary composers such as Ola Gjeilo, Eric Whitacre, Z. Randall Stroope and Daniel Elder. His conducting style is characterized by precision, passion, and a deep understanding of the music. As a composer, Dr. Ezeakacha specializes in English and indigenous sacred and folk music, drawing inspiration from his native Igbo culture and other sub-Saharan African traditions.
Videos of his performances can be found on his website: quavervillemusic.com
Choral Works and Compositions
Some of Dr. Ezeakacha's choral compositions include:
- "Come Let Us Bow Before the Lord" (SATB acapella)
- "Give Praise to the Lord (for George)"
(inspired by Psalm 105: 1-3)
- "Banuwa"
(SATB arrangement of a Liberian folk song)
- "Berna"
(SSAA arrangement of an Nigerian (Igbo) folk song)
- "CHUKWUEBUKA (Agidigba)"
(original arrangement of a Christian Igbo song)
- "Come, Lord Jesus Dwell in My Soul" (original composition for holy communion, penitential services, Ash Wednesday, and Lenten season)
- ODIRAÁCHUKWUMMA
( dedicated to his first son)
- SINÓBICHUKWU
(dedicated to his second son)
Awards and recognition
Throughout his career, Dr. Ezeakacha has received n
numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding contributions to music. Some of his notable awards include:
- Asbury UMC Choral Scholarship
- University of Oklahoma School of Music Scholarship
- Margaret Simpson Swain Trust Scholarship
- David C Steed Heritage Scholarship
- Nelle Fuller Endowed Sooner Heritage Scholarship
- Janet Adams Estlin Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Conclusion
Dr. Chukwuebuka Ezeakacha's historic achievement is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for music. As a pioneering figure in Nigerian classical music, he has paved the way for future generations of African musicians. His contributions to music are a shining example of the power of art to transcend borders and bring people together.
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