The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mahendra Gondeea, received, today in Port Louis, the Project Director of Interkultur, Ms Jelena Dannhauer, and the Artistic Director, Mr Michael Barrett. Interkultur is the world’s leading organiser of international choir competitions and festivals since 1988.
The visit of the representatives of Interkultur lies in the context of the forthcoming African Asia Pacific Choir Games 2025 which will be held in Mauritius from 27 September to 5 October this year. This will be the first time the Games are held in Mauritius and will welcome choirs from Africa and from the Asia Pacific region alike, combining the already established Asia Pacific Choir Games with the African continent for the first time.
During the courtesy call on the Minister, Ms Jelena Dannhauer and Mr Michael Barrett were accompanied by the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee for International Choir Competitions 2025, Mr Giandev Moteea.
In a statement Ms Dannhauer pointed out that the main aim of the meeting was to discuss arrangements to be made regarding the African Asia Pacific Choir Games 2025, especially the opening and closing ceremonies. She also remarked that Mr Barrett will conduct workshops with Mauritian choirs prior to the Games.
Mr Barret, for his part, underlined that he will be encouraging Mauritian choirs to participate in this event, while determining what Mauritius has to offer from a cultural and educational perspective. According to him, Mauritian music must be celebrated on an international level.
The Games will be an opportunity for choirs from all over the world to experience the Mauritian landscapes, cuisine, culture and diversity, he said.
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