‘Harmony’ Concert Celebrates UK–Liberia Cultural Exchange Through Music
Monrovia, Liberia – 21 February — The British Embassy in Monrovia, in partnership with the Liberia National Academy of Music, hosted “Harmony: A Concert of International Music,” bringing together leading Liberian performers and visiting guest singers from the United Kingdom for an evening of musical collaboration and cultural exchange.
Held at St. Stephen Church on 10th Street, Sinkor, the concert drew together community members, music lovers, development partners, and diplomatic guests. Entry was free, ensuring open access and broad public participation.
“Music is important to us at the British Embassy. It promotes harmony between people of different backgrounds, ages and cultures. At its heart, music reminds us that we are all human beings, with a need to communicate and connect – to listen and to be heard.” — Simon Tooth, Chargé D’Affaires, British Embassy
The programme featured classical, traditional, pop and jazz music, highlighting Liberia’s strong musical talent alongside contributions from visiting UK performers Michael Craddock and Lucy Cronin. Both are professional musicians, who are visiting Liberia for the first time to share their musical skills and experience with aspiring Liberian singers.
“We are so grateful to have been welcomed by over 100 Liberian musicians this week. The amount of talent here is incredible. We have loved sharing our skills and have learned so much ourselves.”— Michael Craddock and Lucy Cronin, professional British musicians
The programme also featured the Matsiko Choir delivered exciting performances combining music and dance, demonstrating the depth and quality of local music-making at all ages. Liberia-based soloists Georgia Quaye, Tarley Kebbeh and Joanna Markbreiter (a trained singer, who also serves as the British Embassy’s Deputy Head of Mission) all added a sparkle to the event. The choir of the Liberia National Academy of Music sang a range of spirituals, classical pieces, and traditional Liberian songs.
“Music is a tool that will shift the attitudes of the young people in Liberia, so it’s important that we support and invest in the arts for the preservation of Liberia’s future.” — Wilmot K. Bobbroh III, Director of the Liberian National Academy of Music.
The concert was supported by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, reinforcing the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy and fostering people‑to‑people connections.
