Development Team
Executive Director
Dr. George Francois is a co-founder of Sankusem, and a renowned Ghanaian concert pianist, composer, song-writer, producer and poet. He studied at the University of Ghana, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, The University of Texas at Austin, the Juilliard School in New York and at SUNY Stony Brook, and is currently on Faculty at the Manhattan School of Music. Dr. Francois has performed as a solo and collaborative pianist in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and extensively in the United States. The New York Amsterdam News describes him as having a ‘wondrous command of technique’ with ‘fire when called for, but also lovely moments of lyricism to savor’. He performs annually in Ghana.
Artistic Director
Dr. Sally Singer, is a co-founder of Sankusem, and cellist of the Internationally acclaimed Icicle Creek Piano Trio. According to Gramophone Magazine, the Icicle Creek Piano Trio's latest recording of Schubert and Ravel works (on the Con Brio label) showed "exquisite sheen and vibrancy” and Fanfare Magazine’s reviewer Jerry Dubins declared the interpretation “as close to being definitive as any I expect to hear in my lifetime”. Dr Singer brings vast administrative and performance experience to the directorship of the Sankusem International Competition. She has co-directed many programs at the Icicle Creek Music Center, including the year-round concert series, International Chamber Music Festivals, summer Chamber Music Institutes and chamber programs for youth symphony students. As a performer, Dr. Singer has given numerous world premier performances of solo and chamber works in Europe and throughout the States, and has performed as a soloist with the Pleven Philharmonic, Bulgaria, the St.Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, Russia, the Danbury Symphony, CT, and the Stony Brook Symphony Orchestra, amongst others. Chamber performance highlights include the Tanglewood Music Center, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY, Alice Tully Hall, NY, first prize in the John Ireland Chamber Music Competition, UK, British National Television appearances and collaborations with artists Ian Swensen, Nathaniel Rosen, Heasook Rhee, Karen Dreyfus and Anthony Elliott. Dr. Singer currently serves on the faculty of Whitman College.
Public Relations Specialist, Ghana
Ms. Theresa Tetteh has a stellar reputation in the classical music circles in Ghana. Her father wrote the National Anthem for the country, and she herself was the Director of the National Symphony until June of 2009. In that position she established invaluable contacts with local resources such as the Ministry of Chieftancy and Culture, the National Theater, the University of Ghana, and also music officials of other African countries.
Graphic Designer/Website
Ms. Sonya Dunn is the executive director of Creative Christian Expressions. Originally from North Carolina, she currently lives in Harlem, New York. Her formal education includes a BA in Speech-Communication, and a MS in Human Service Administration. She is currently on Faculty at the Metropolitan College of New York in the School of Management. Sonya has had extensive experience as a Consultant/ Leadership Coach and provides an assortment of freelance services as a graphics/web designer through her business: BasicWebsites4u@yahoo.com
Adminstrative Secretary
Ms. Alana Allette-Layne holds a BA in Journalism and a Masters in Literary Studies. She manages all of Sankusem's social networks, provides creative ideas for their improved use, handles Sankusem email inquiries and is currently developing a working database of all Sankusem contacts and partners. Ms. Allette-Layne also offers creative input in the planning and organizing of Sankusem programs, in the creative content and design of our website, and compiles and archives relevant materials for the Sankusem programs.
