A BIT ABOUT US

In 2019, Julius Richardson and Teresa Barnes collaborated with a number of international musicians based in Accra and overseas to establish the Accra Youth Sinfonietta (AYS).  AYS is an inclusive ensemble that draws together children in the Accra region who play a classical instrument.  There are currently more than 50 members, including musicians from Kinder Paradise Children’s Home, children from various local schools and expatriate children. 

On 29 November 2019, led by acclaimed international concert pianist, Panos Karan, the Sinfonietta performed a concert to a standing-room-only audience in the Ballroom at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.  The concert repertoire included Strauss, Beethoven, Bizet and African composers.  The performance was highly commended by all who attended.  The British High Commissioner said, “The concert performed by the Accra Youth Sinfonietta last Friday evening at the Kempinski hotel in Accra was fantastic. We were amazed by how the children, drawn from Kinder  Paradise, Lincoln Community School, Ghana International School and the French School, came together for the first time to perform classic and contemporary pieces at such a high standard. The children really radiated their enthusiasm and passion for music and performing. Hours of practice over a very intensive fortnight led by the fantastic teachers both here in Ghana and from overseas showed what really can be achieved. We are very much looking forward to the next concert!”

The AYS has been established as a Ghanaian NGO.  Directors include Richardson, Teresa Barnes, American violinist, Dr Cristina Ruotolo, and Matthew Eshun.  Eshun, who has recently completed a degree in Performance Violin at the University of Free State in South Africa, as well as a minor in conducting, is principal conductor of AYS.  Richardson is Artistic Director.  The AYS rehearses fortnightly at the Ghana International School in Cantonments.