Jamaica Youth Chorale now The Kingston Seventeen

After 17 years of singing across Jamaica and onto some of the world’s most prestigious and historic stages, the Jamaica Youth Chorale (JYC) is growing into its next chapter. Founded in December 2008, the choral group is stepping into its 18th anniversary with a change of identity and structure. Going forward, the choir will be known as the Kingston Seventeen Chamber Choir & Youth Camerata (The Kingston Seventeen), a name that reflects a choir that has “grown up”, according to its founder, Gregory Simms.

At the heart of the new structure is The Seventeen, comprising mainly JYC alumni or other invited vocalists. The Youth Camerata is the supporting ensemble of The Seventeen, providing a dedicated space for young people to be recruited and develop their musicianship, rehearsing and performing with The Seventeen and becoming part of the choir’s continuing legacy.

“We are big people now,” said Simms. “JYC, like me, has grown up and in a way where we have built a community worth sustaining. I am very proud of the choral legacy we have nurtured, impacting over the years nearly 350 young singers, but I am equally aware that, for us to thrive, we must constantly review and renew ourselves. I am excited for what this renewal can represent for Jamaican choral music in particular.”

Explaining the rationale behind ‘seventeen’, he said, “Seventeen, for me, represents the most efficient balance of voices for mixed chamber choir repertoire with two singers assigned to each of the eight vocal parts and one additional voice in either bass or soprano. We have toured with 17 singers, and this is also happening in our 17th year. It all just aligned.”

For Simms, growth has been central from the beginning, when the JYC was formed and executed its first performance in 2008 of the National Anthem at a conference in Kingston. Since then, the choir has represented Jamaica to critical acclaim in the United Kingdom, South Africa, the United States and the Cayman Islands.

Its work and influence also extend well beyond the stage, having recorded and released albums over the years. Its latest recording, SPIRIT Vol. 2: A Cappella, featuring works by both Jamaican and non-Jamaican composers, was released across streaming platforms in May.

Simms said that audiences can continue to expect the highest standard of choral music from The Seventeen and a refreshing of repertoire and concert choir performances.

“This renewal provides an opportunity to continue creating a space for Jamaica’s talented young people to express themselves musically and contribute to the arts, while carrying forward the legacy of our alumni, many of whom remain actively involved and committed to the group. It ensures that the strong foundation built over the past 17 years continues to thrive, even as we look to the future.”

The first performances of the rebranded choir will take place from December 13–20 with the group’s signature Christmas Joy concert series. The series will open at St Jago de la Vega Cathedral in Spanish Town, St Catherine, followed by two performances at the Philip Sherlock Centre for the Creative Arts at The University of the West Indies, Mona, with one being a benefit for The Caring For Miracles Foundation, in support of their work around pre-term baby care.

The Kingston Seventeen will then take Christmas Joy to the United States for a series of performances, including a return to the historic Washington National Cathedral in the capital, Washington, DC.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com