Antsanirina Rakotoarimino, also known as Rahf, is the co-founder and director of the Chœur Miangaly and Madagascar Orchestra. He has been promoting classical music in Madagascar for over 10 years, with a passion for making it accessible to a wider audience. Rahf believes that classical music is not just for the elite, but can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. He has been working tirelessly to bring classical music to the masses, performing in popular neighborhoods and collaborating with other artists.
Rahf's journey in classical music began when he was a young boy, singing in church choirs and later becoming a member of the chorale Rantsana Fanantenana. He then joined the chorale Seta Tafaray, where he discovered the baroque repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 2013, he participated in a masterclass organized by the French Institute of Madagascar, which further fueled his passion for classical music. This experience led him to create the Chœur Miangaly, a private choir that performs a wide range of classical music.
In 2014, Rahf launched the first Classik'art festival, which aimed to promote classical music in Madagascar. The festival was a success, and it caught the attention of José Bronfman, the president of Madagascar Mozarteum. The Chœur Miangaly was invited to participate in the Concert de midi, and Rahf was tasked with coordinating the event. He has been doing so for the past five years, and it has become one of the highlights of his career.
Rahf is convinced that classical music can appeal to a young audience, citing the influence of artists like Quatuor Squad and Fitah Rasendrahasina, who have successfully blended classical music with other genres. He has also created the Chœur et orchestre d'Andohatapenaka (COA), a project inspired by El Sistema, a music education program developed in Venezuela. The COA provides music workshops to children from popular neighborhoods, with the aim of promoting social change through music.
Rahf's hard work has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded a scholarship by the French Embassy to attend a choral conducting workshop in France. He has also launched the Mille Feo platform, which aims to create a network of choral conductors and singers. Additionally, he has created the Madagascar Orchestra, which he currently directs. The orchestra is set to perform La Belle Hélène by Offenbach and other modern pieces next year.
As Rahf looks to the future, he is planning to take the Chœur Miangaly in a more modern direction, incorporating fusion and other disciplines to attract a new audience. He is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the choir, which promises to be an exciting milestone. With his dedication and passion, Rahf is sure to continue promoting classical music in Madagascar for years to come.
Rahf's achievements are a testament to his hard work and commitment to promoting classical music in Madagascar. He has shown that with determination and passion, it is possible to make classical music accessible to a wider audience. As the classical music scene continues to grow in Madagascar, Rahf's contributions will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Antsanirina Rakotoarimino has been promoting classical music in Madagascar for over 10 years.
- He has created several initiatives, including the Chœur Miangaly and the Madagascar Orchestra.
- Rahf aims to make classical music accessible to a wider audience, particularly young people and those from popular neighborhoods.
