Apotheosis Art House

25/08/2024

Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka takes African Pianism to New York Stage

On August 17 2024, Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka performed a solo recital at the UCCB Casual Concert Series in Buffalo, New York, USA. In what was regarded as the most attended concert in the series, Nduka performed piano works that appealed to his African roots, stirring further global attention to the African classical music genre.

The recital titled Resounding African Pianism, featured piano works by composers of African and African descent. Particularly works by J.H. Kwabena Nketia, Joshua Uzoigwe, Christian Onyeji, Oswald Russell, Fred Onovwerosuoke, Innocent Okechukwu, Itunu Oyewale, and Chijioke Ngobili. The audience was enthralled, prompting an encore performance of Schumann's works.

The host music director, Dr. Jessie Downs described the performance as amazing and beautiful. Chijioke Ngobili, one of the composers whose work Nduka performed, and was in attendance, praised Nduka's skill. He mentioned that at the end of Nduka's performance, a lady wondered aloud if he had ten hands. Other members of the audience also commended the performance and approached the pianist for photographs and autographs.

Echezonachukwu Nduka is a specialist in African classical music. His recent musical body of work ‘The African Serenades’ (Centaur Records, 2023) is a collaborative project where he performs select African classical piano music. He is a PhD student in Music Studies: Ethnomusicology at the University of Pennsylvania, and his research interests include African Pianism, African Art Music, Applied Ethnomusicology, Performance Studies, and Postcolonial Literature. He is also the author of two critically acclaimed poetry books: Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts (Griots Lounge, 2018) and Waterman (Griots Lounge, 2020), and has been described by The Guardian as "Artist Extraordinaire".

His recital, Resounding African Pianism makes it the first recital or performance of African Pianism in Buffalo. You can watch the recordings of his performance on stage by visiting the Apotheosis Art House YouTube page. See photos from the concert below.

16/08/2024

Just a day to go to Echezonachukwu Nduka's solo recital at Buffallo New York. Made a reservation yet? What are you waiting for? Do that via the link in comment.

Nduka will be performing works by composers of African descent. It will feature works by J.H. Kwabena Nketia, Joshua Uzoigwe, Christian Onyeji, Oswald Russell, Fred Onovwerosuoke, Innocent Okechukwu, Itunu Oyewale and Chijioke Ngobili. Don't miss out!

You can find more details about the event in this feature by . See comments.

31/07/2024

Nigerian Poet and Pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka to perform Solo Recital at Buffalo, New York

Echezonachukwu Nduka will be in concert on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (EDT) at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo (UUCB), Buffalo, New York, USA. This is part of the UUCB Casual Concert Series - a series of post-COVID concerts showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and sound-based experiences.

Nduka's solo recital is titled Resounding African Pianism. It is a piano recital series dedicated to the celebration and performance of piano works by composers of African and African descent. This recital will feature piano works by J.H. Kwabena Nketia, Joshua Uzoigwe, Christian Onyeji, Oswald Russell, Fred Onovwerosuoke, Innocent Okechukwu, Itunu Oyewale, and Chijioke Ngobili.

You can make a reservation here: https://www.townplanner.com/buffalo/ny/event/arts-and-entertainment/resounding-african-pianism/20240817/740878/

Echezonachukwu Nduka is a Nigerian-born poet and pianist who specializes in the classical piano music of composers from Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana. He is the author of two critically acclaimed poetry books: Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts (Griots Lounge, 2018) and Waterman (Griots Lounge, 2020). His recent musical body of work ‘The African Serenades’ (Centaur Records, 2023) is a collaborative project where he performs select African classical piano music. He is a PhD student in Music Studies: Ethnomusicology at the University of Pennsylvania, and his research interests include African Pianism, African Art Music, Applied Ethnomusicology, Performance Studies, and Postcolonial Literature. He has been described by The Guardian as "Artist Extraordinaire".

For interviews, press features and other inquiries, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

See you in concert!

21/06/2024

Hello world,

Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka has five poems in translation in a notable Romanian magazine. Four poems are from his sophomore poetry collection, Waterman (available everywhere) and a new poem from a work in progress.

Read here:
https://www.revistatomis.ro/2024/06/12/echezonachukwu-nduka/.

Echezonachukwu Nduka (n. 1989) este un pianist și scriitor nigerian, autor al volumelor de poezie Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts (2018) și Waterman (2020). Compozitor și etnomuzicolog, a studiat la Nsukka și la Londra și trăiește în Philadelphia.

15/05/2024

On March 29, Echezonachukwu Nduka, poet, pianist and a PHD Student in Music, University of Pennsylvania was the featured scholar at the Center for Africana Studies' "SCHOLAR FOR A DAY" program.

He presented an excerpt of a research in progress titled "Subjective Religiosonic Rendering: Afrobeats and the World of Schemes, Imagery and Significations" which is a unique approach to Afrobeats.

You can now watch the full presentation on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/DIs6YYGgcWM?si=lKkFUiKdVyayHcZh. Attached are photos from the presentation.

08/12/2023

Congratulations to Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka who has been awarded the Booth Ferris Graduate Fellowship in support of his studies and research at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Booth Ferris Graduate Fellowship is hosted by the Booth Ferris Foundation — a Trust and Grant body established in 1957, whose funding interests include Arts and Culture. As a named fellow, Nduka will have his graduate studies co-funded by the foundation, in addition to the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship awarded him by the University of Pennsylvania earlier this year.

Nduka is the author of two critically acclaimed poetry books: Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts (Griots Lounge, 2018) and Waterman (Griots Lounge, 2020). His recent musical body of work ‘The African Serenades’ (Centaur Records, 2023) is a collaborative project where he performs select African classical piano music. He is a PHD student in Music Studies: Ethnomusicology at the University of Pennsylvania, and his research interests include African Pianism, African Art Music, Applied Ethnomusicology, Performance Studies, and Postcolonial Literature. He has been described by The Guardian as "Artist Extraordinaire".

29/11/2023

Uchenna Emelife for curated fifteen poetry collections to find sanctuary in. "Waterman" by Echezonachukwu Nduka is no 2 on the list.

The introduction reads:
"Everything seems to be happening all at once. Order has gone away. Silence and solitude have become rare commodities. There is a general madness, a disorienting noise in today's world and we are slowly losing ourselves to the chaos.

Is it the pangs of mother earth no one seems to be listening to? Or the nonchalance of our corrupt leaders? Is it the stings of a failing economy back home or the ripple effect that is increased crime? Is it the rising toll of avoidable deaths or the eternal grief that has become living?

All of these have enforced motion on us. We are almost always on our feet. There is no stopping to think, to breathe, to live. In this issue of Maroko, Uchenna Emelife recommends fifteen poetry collections from the UK to Africa, that can help you pause… breathe… and reflect on 'Here and Now'..."

Find the listicle in the second issue of Maroko Magazine. Soon to be available in stores near you.

09/11/2023

In the Monday edition of the newspaper, Nkanu Egbe writes a profile feature on Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka. He discusses Nduka's poetry and music. Find it on page 4 of the newspaper.

11/09/2023

"Throughout the album, the listener is drawn into an intense, emotive listening experience. Nduka’s thoughtful and groovy piano play glitters all through; Egbuchiem’s countertenor is affecting, heady, and passionate..."

Chimezie Chika reviews Nduka's debut collaborative album with Andrew Egbuchiem, The African Serenades.

Read on Afrocritik below:

Throughout the album, the listener is drawn into an intense, emotive listening experience. Nduka’s thoughtful and groovy piano play glitters all through; Egbuchiem’s countertenor is affecting, heady, and passionate. By Chimezie Chika Nigerian poet and concert pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka, has f...

08/08/2023

Maiduguri, for Chandos Anthem No. 9 | Echezonachukwu Nduka on Lolwe

Echezonachukwu Nduka in this personal essay, recounts visiting Maiduguri for a performance at the peak of the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.

A personal essay by Echezonachukwu Nduka

19/07/2023

Happy birthday to Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka.

Echezonachukwu Nduka is described by the Guardian as an artist extraordinaire. He is the author of two poetry collections: Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts published by in 2018 and Waterman published in 2020. He has released two musical EPs: Choreowaves (2018) and Nine Encores (2019). His debut collaborative album comes out on Friday, 21st July 2023.

The best gift you can give an artist is engagement of their work, so purchase and stream Nduka's books and music. Copies of his books are available at Book O'Clock Store, Page Bookstore, Amazon, McNally Robinson Booksellers and other notable stores near you, while his music is on SoundCloud, Apple music and other streaming platforms.

03/07/2023

We are excited to share that Echezonachukwu Nduka (piano) and Andrew Egbuchiem (countertenor) have a collaborative music album coming out this July from Centaur Records (Louisiana, USA).

It is called African Serenades. The African Serenades features a selection of African Art Music literatures for voice and piano. The genre which typifies the creative convergence of Western Art Music and African Folk Music traditions, comes alive in a wide range of works by composers of Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage.

African piano works like Fred Onovwerosuoke’s "24 Studies in African Rhythms" and J.H. Kwabena Nketia's "Volta Fantasy" are some of the performances on the album.

Considering the critical functionality and diversity of language in African Art Music, titles, lyrics and overall musical elements of selected works, serve as primary indicators of identity and underscore their musi-cultural significations. The African Serenades will, among other encounters, take listeners on a journey through reflection, awakening, dance and celebration.

The African Serenades is Echezonachukwu Nduka's third musical recorded project and body of work. In 2018, he released his first EP, Choreowaves, a collection of African piano music and in 2019, he released Nine Encores, a blend of African and Western piano music.

The album will be released across all streaming platforms on 21 July. Preorder here: https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9493589--the-african-serenades

28/04/2023

27/03/2023

It's a new week and a beautiful way to begin it is by watching this rendition of Echezonachukwu Nduka's Igbo folk piece, Munachimso by Nigerian Soprano, Blessing Agu. This performance was at the "Nnem Oma" recital at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA held last Friday night. She also performed other works by Hendel, Mozart, Schubert, Guonod, Price, Nwankwo, Uzoma, and Muogbo.

Munachimso was composed in 2013 by Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka for a friend.

Visit Apotheosis Art House YouTube page for more videos of Nduka's music. Here: https://youtube.com/

14/03/2023

Every day is a good day to read Echezonachukwu Nduka.

Get both of his collections: Chrysanthemums for Wide-eyed Ghosts & Waterman on Amazon, Griots Lounge Canada, Book O'Clock Store, Bookstore, and other notable bookstores near you.

Featured photo credit: Uchenna Emelife

11/02/2023

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11/02/2023

Hello world, here is an opportunity for your wards and younger friends/siblings,

In recognition of Echezonachukwu Nduka’s success between Poems & Piano, Chandelle Books is organising a poetry contest tagged Poetry Idol for children poets between the ages of 10 to 15 years.

Interested poets are invited to make a rendition of Echezonachukwu Nduka's poem, "The Child" found in his collection of poems, Waterman, and afterward submit the recording.

Prizes to be won include:
1st position: N250,000
2nd position: N150,000
3rd Position: N100,000

Deadline: Saturday, March 4 2023.

Visit link below for submission guidelines and more details: https://chandelle.us/events/spoken_word_poetry

28/01/2023

For Open Country Mag, Nigerian poet and pianist, Echezonachukwu Nduka reviews Amatoritsero Ede 's collection of essays, Imagination's Many Rooms.

"Ede’s critical insight and knowledge of history comes to the fore as he analyzes racism and dubious rhetoric, peeks into the Catholic Church with fire, and knocks South Africa hard on its racial injustices and power imbalances." He writes.

Read here:

In these punchy essays on cultural politics, there is a sharp memory laced with humor, and an in-depth understanding of the issues at play.