Lydian Recap: 2nd Act of 2019!
Here is a quick recap of our busy and fruitful second half of 2019 - the special moments, the performances, the amazing collaborations and the Christmas 2019 start of our 40th musical anniversary of celebrations!
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4 Islands
1 Hallelujah Chorus
Handel would be pleased!
On Thursday 22nd August 2019 at 6:00 p.m., the Lord Kitchener Auditorium of the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain came alive with music for the concert entitled, "Classics, Calypsos and Beyond..."
Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago choirs participated in the "CARIFESTA XIV CHOIR" with choristers representing from Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada. As a special treat, long-standing Lydian piano accompanist Mrs. Lindy-Ann Bodden-Ritch was featured in the concert with our very own Lydian Tenor, Edward Cumberbatch and other Classical vocalists!
Here is a short video with a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the mass chorale performances at "Classics, Calypsoes and Beyond. Representing as one of the choirs from the host Carifesta country of Trinidad and Tobago, the Lydians performed an eclectic choral set featuring East Indian Choral music by composer Paranjoti, feat. Classical Indian Dancer Mrs. Mandira Balkaransigh on Ghungroo bells and Mr. Brandon Poonwassie on Dholak drum!
[ABOUT CARIFESTA]
The Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) is a roving multi-disciplinary art festival which has been held in various CARICOM countries since its establishment in 1972. It is a regional forum where artists, performers and other persons in the field of culture meet and exchange ideas through presentations of music, dance, drama, exhibitions on art, sculpture, poetry and symposia, among others.
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On Sunday 13th October 2019 the Lydians also celebrated along with the music and Steelpan community the life and cultural contribution of Mark Loquan. We were honoured to play a part through our former Musical Director, Dr. Pat Bishop (dec.). We wished Mr. Loquan hearty congratulations and Happy Birthday in song in celebration of his 20 year milestone in beautiful music. The Lydians joined the National Steel Symphony Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago, the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Trinidad and Tobago and Destra Garcia for this performance!
One of the biggest hits from Mark Loquan came in the form of his great panorama collaboration with Destra Garcia, 'Colours Again'. Arranged in 2008 by John Jacob - one of the longest and most treasured musical collaborators of the Lydians, the song was debuted at the T&T Musical Festival for the Calypso Chorale Class, which was easily won in that year. It was performed again at the 2008 COTT Awards where the choir was given the opportunity to back the original singer. We revisit this classic piece again in celebration of Mr. Loquan's 20th anniversary in music, once again with the powerhouse vocalist Destra Garcia.
Thank you to Mr. Mark Loquan and Mark Loquan Music for inviting the Lydians to celebrate this momentous occasion in Trinbago music!
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The Lydians were delighted to accept the invitation of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra to support their performance at Big 5 – The Steelband Concert 3rd Edition, which took place on Saturday, 26 October 2019!
This exciting new collaboration featured pan & choral arrangement by Carlton 'Zanda' Alexander in the Soca music genre - "Year For Love" by Aaron 'Voice' St. Louis!
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We spent our Christmas preparation period at the SoundForge before relocating a third time to the COSTATT Student Center on Dundonald Street, Port of Spain.
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Then came Christmas! (read more in our next blog post)
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The Lydians at Carifesta XIV!
6 Choirs4 Islands
1 Hallelujah Chorus
Handel would be pleased!
On Thursday 22nd August 2019 at 6:00 p.m., the Lord Kitchener Auditorium of the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Port of Spain came alive with music for the concert entitled, "Classics, Calypsos and Beyond..."
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| The Lydians at sound check for its Carifesta XIV performance, NAPA, Port of Spain |
Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago choirs participated in the "CARIFESTA XIV CHOIR" with choristers representing from Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada. As a special treat, long-standing Lydian piano accompanist Mrs. Lindy-Ann Bodden-Ritch was featured in the concert with our very own Lydian Tenor, Edward Cumberbatch and other Classical vocalists!
Here is a short video with a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for the mass chorale performances at "Classics, Calypsoes and Beyond. Representing as one of the choirs from the host Carifesta country of Trinidad and Tobago, the Lydians performed an eclectic choral set featuring East Indian Choral music by composer Paranjoti, feat. Classical Indian Dancer Mrs. Mandira Balkaransigh on Ghungroo bells and Mr. Brandon Poonwassie on Dholak drum!
The Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts (CARIFESTA) is a roving multi-disciplinary art festival which has been held in various CARICOM countries since its establishment in 1972. It is a regional forum where artists, performers and other persons in the field of culture meet and exchange ideas through presentations of music, dance, drama, exhibitions on art, sculpture, poetry and symposia, among others.
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The Lydians perform with Ms. Ella Andall
"An e.p.i.c. night of recognition!" The Lydians were invited to perform with Calypso and African Legend in music and vocal performance, Ms. Ella Andall for the First Citizens Staff Awards 2019!What a moving and rewarding experience. we were humbled to share the stage with her and a multitude of cultural and musical performers for this special night. |
| The Lydians surround Legendary Singer Ms Ella Andall at the 2019 First Citizens Awards |
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| The Lydians surround Legendary Singer Ms Ella Andall at the 2019 First Citizens Awards |
Bringing the Choral Energy to 'My Home - Passion for Pan', the 20th anniversary of Mark Loquan Music
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| Members of the Lydians with Mark Loquan (center) |
One of the biggest hits from Mark Loquan came in the form of his great panorama collaboration with Destra Garcia, 'Colours Again'. Arranged in 2008 by John Jacob - one of the longest and most treasured musical collaborators of the Lydians, the song was debuted at the T&T Musical Festival for the Calypso Chorale Class, which was easily won in that year. It was performed again at the 2008 COTT Awards where the choir was given the opportunity to back the original singer. We revisit this classic piece again in celebration of Mr. Loquan's 20th anniversary in music, once again with the powerhouse vocalist Destra Garcia.
Thank you to Mr. Mark Loquan and Mark Loquan Music for inviting the Lydians to celebrate this momentous occasion in Trinbago music!
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| The Finale featuring Lydians, NSSO, NPO, NTAC and Destra Garcia! |
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| The Lydians performing at Mark Loquan's music anniversary performance, "Colours Again" with Destra Garcia. |
Big 5 with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra
The Lydians were delighted to accept the invitation of Desperadoes Steel Orchestra to support their performance at Big 5 – The Steelband Concert 3rd Edition, which took place on Saturday, 26 October 2019!
This exciting new collaboration featured pan & choral arrangement by Carlton 'Zanda' Alexander in the Soca music genre - "Year For Love" by Aaron 'Voice' St. Louis!
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| The Lydians perform with Desperadoes Steel Orchestra at Big5 2019! |
The Journey Continues - The Lydians at the SoundForge
At the end of the year we prepared yet again to move to another rehearsal location at the SoundForge in Mucurapo. We extended special thanks to the management and staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Christian Science Church on Richmond St. Port of Spain for their generous hospitality in hosting our choir and steel ensemble at their beautiful venue for the few months they gave us their support and hospitality!We spent our Christmas preparation period at the SoundForge before relocating a third time to the COSTATT Student Center on Dundonald Street, Port of Spain.
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Then came Christmas! (read more in our next blog post)
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