2022 Angels Bending Near the Earth-digitalbooklet

Our Mission Statement

We believe in God. Our belief demands that we live in service of God’s Greater Glory. We recognise that music is a gift and that the ability to perform it is a grace - this leads us to develop our skills to their fullest and to give to all who wish, our cooperation and support that they may develop their own ability.

We recognise that our improvement as musicians will be achieved only through unrelenting effort, through practice and discipline, through accepting instruction and by our willingness to be patient as we teach and encourage others.

The fruit of our effort we offer only to Godto feed His hungry to heal His sick to educate His untaught.

We offer our song as well: to bring solace where there is grief, to mark his presence where there is joy, and to bring His Name to all people.

We set ourselves the goal of excellence; Perfection will not be achieved in our mortal lives but that knowledge does not remit our effort, for we know that if judged worthy, we shall hear the Perfect Harmony, Eternal; as we return to God.

Musical Director’s Message

Of Angels Bending, Creating, Dreaming, & Effort

This year, we dedicate our show to two phenomenal women who have shaped – and continue to shape – our collective in far more ways than we can say. The living Icon that is Lindy-Ann Bodden-Ritch , and the now deceased Janine Charles-Farray . Janine joins the choir of angels who watch over us: those who flew too close to the earth; whose wings touched the land and caused them to be born flesh and dwell in human form among us – but only for a time.

It is fitting, I believe, that Angelic hosts are referred to as Choirs.

I consider this, as I think that there is no more awesome and awe-full experience than a group sounding together “in concert.” From stories of shouts felling Jericho’s walls to masses performing Mahler and Beethoven, I marvel at the thought that there are few things so magnificent and

momentous as spirits banding together in common cause.

Throughout my now…20 years (jeez I started young) of writing ‘love letters and nerd notes’ to audiences, I typically now find myself laughing at how I articulate ‘the thing’ – in a way persons may find relatable. I don’t know that I am always successful – the rolling eyes of previous editors attest to that – but, as in all things worth it, this does not remit our effort.

This phrase puts me in mind of a line from our Mission Statement – (A sort of Credo/ ‘Credimusnostrae ’ – with apologies to the tutor who tried to teach me Latin in high school):

“We set ourselves the goal of excellence; Perfection will not be achieved in our mortal lives, but that knowledge does not remit our effort.”

You may, after rolling your eyes at me as well, note that my Latin declension pluralises what to Christians is a singular declaration. The Creeds which are recited in the religious observances are personal in nature. The adherents to the faith may say them collectively, but these words speak to individual convictions.

One of the main things I love about the Lydian Mission statement is that it is not singular. It must exist in a collective, and so demands being said collectively as a shared experience. It only works “in concert.”

A Framework to make Earthly Angels of us all

The Lydian Mission Statement is an 18-line, nearly 200-word declaration of collective values and mission, but more than that, one can take from it a blueprint for living in service of humanity and the world.

Contained are a set of beliefs that hold: The aim to develop ourselves and our abilities as best as possible, while helping others in their development.

An acknowledgement that patience and humility are par for the course in this journey of learning and teaching

That a belief in God extends to living peacefully with and in service to God’s creations (feeding the hungry; healing the sick; educating the untaught; bringing solace to those grieving; to mark the presence of God in moments of joy)

And most importantly, an acknowledgement that we do not aim for perfection, but for excellence.

This, as given in the quoted line earlier, is what I believe distinguishes a Lydian journey – an understanding that we aim to be and do excellent things –without the yoke and dispiriting goal of perfection. We acknowledge that we have set ourselves the task of doing and being our best selves and community, understanding that this will always be short of perfection, but that this reality should not and does not diminish our efforts.

Since my first brush with this mission in 2014, I have found wells of grace within myself, and become more aware of the extension of patience and grace from others on life’s journey. May we all grow in the graces of all we meet and know, and similarly may they grow in ours.

If I may leave you with two things, after the meandering stream of consciousness we just navigated together:

To our audiences:

“… ‘…Lately I never felt good enough. I always wanted to explain to him that I’m not good.’ ‘And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good. Is that it?’

‘I guess so. Maybe that’s it.’…”

- John Steinbeck, East of Eden (Lee and Abra, Chapter 53)

And to my Lydian Family:

You are good. When voices, hands and hearts align in service to music and mission, you are at your most heavenly. It is aweinspiring. Continue to love each other.

Bless, Carl Anthony Hines

December 2022

festival in Antigua and Barbuda. Quite an auspicious deferral. And what a silver Jubilee this year has been! From TT60 Independence celebrations to performances for iconic landmark events throughout the year, The Steel remains an iconic and indispensable part of what makes us The Lydians as an ensemble and a community.

“Angels Bending near the Earth” is a line taken from the American Christmas carol It Came Upon the Midnight Clear by Edmund Sears. It is rare for several noteworthy reasons, one of which has always drawn a certain sort of fascination – it makes no mention of Christ, the newborn babe, or of the Saviour’s mission.

The lyrics concern themselves only with one aspect: The Angelic request for peace on Earth.

How sublime that a piece so tied to the season, seeks only to hold us all in that moment beyond fear, worry, doubt, hate, and turmoil. It asks us simply to gather in ‘solemn stillness’ and ‘hear the angels sing.’

Lydian Angels of Earth and Beyond

This year, we offer this production in celebration of two of the Angels that have dwelt among us and have indelibly made their mark on the hearts, souls, abilities, growth, and psyches of our communion of artists: Living with us, the indomitable icon that is Mrs Lindy-Ann Bodden-Ritch, and the now deceased powerhouse that was Janine Charles – Farray.

Lindy-Ann, who is affectionately and properly called Ms Ritch until she tells you otherwise – (and even then), has been a stalwart presence in the Trinbagonian musical landscape. A nurturing but exacting taskmaster, she is seldom in an artistic space not doling out advice or a critique for the improvement of the artist who toiled (often sweating bullets) in her presence. Ms Ritch, described by lifelong friend Pat Bishop as “dutiful, diligent and direct,” has often been the catalyst for a young artist’s reckoning with their rehearsal process. If you could get a smile or a nod you were on cloud 9 – and if you got applause or a succinct “good,” you were in the presence of the heavenly host themselves!

So many artists and creative ensembles owe her debts of gratitude for her time, indulgence, input, support, and

encouragement. In this production, the legacy of her influence and hand in the development of the artists extends beyond the voices, compositional styles, and steel piano score adaptation techniques, that her loving short burst (re)buffs have shaped – we are also joined by dancers who she has accompanied in ballet classes and examinations, seated at the upright pianos in the studios of the Caribbean School of Dancing.

We Love you Ms Ritch!

Janine, the passionate fire of progress and development. A candle snuffed well before her time; Janine was a dynamo who only seemed to have one setting: firing on all cylinders. In her Lydian life, there was rarely any aspect of our existence she did not have an enthusiastic, considerate, and measured hand in – and if the latter was not the case, and fault expressed genuinely? A ready apology and plans to move forward and adjust to make all parties satisfied with the result.

As a teenager fresh to The Lydians, and a big fan of technology, Janine began the task of documenting the rehearsals processes, gently shoving a voice recorder, or a camera, or armed with a notepad making notes at Pat Bishop, or a senior member or a creative collaborator, eager to find out how they came to the space, their process and how and why they did what they did. With time this penchant expanded into her offering insight and advice as well, ever ready to help you

progress and develop as an artist, an entrepreneur, a policy proposal writer and a creative on a tangent. An emerging strategic mind also saw her helping to position the group in accessible ways – creating the first website; organising photo shoots and archival recordings; updating and digitising archives and seeking out footage from far-flung places, consolidating the A/V presence of The Lydians – often at personal cost. You would be hard-pressed to find someone who was more invested in the sustainable and positive trajectory and branding of The Lydians.

As a phenomenal reluctant-to-becalled-so-but-was Mezzo-Soprano, Janine was also one of the senior soloists who lent not only her inimitable commanding voice to solo work and the choral sound, but also in service to the work of supporting young artists whether by passing on pedagogy tips and coaching, or volunteering to be the muse for aspiring composers and arrangers who took their work to the ensemble. Her loss remains one we are reckoning with and feel daily.

Fierce in their defence, jubilant in their support, strong in their conviction, yet always happy to be surprised by good. May we continue to flourish in the spirit of their sustenance as they live to teach and inspire or have passed to serve now as support and example.

Deo Gratias!

Carl Anthony Hines December 2022

FIRST HALF

National Anthem – Arr. Cumberbatch Lydian Ensemble OPENING NARRATION

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee - Beethoven, Arr. Simeone The Lydians Prepare - Martin The Lydians

NARRATION Tarekita - Esmail The Lydians Sing to The Moon - Mvula, Arr. Walters

The Lydians Sure on This Shining Night – Lauridsen The Lydians Fall on Me - Vaccarino, Bocelli

Soloists: Edward Cumberbatch, David Williams Christmastide String Quartet: Carol of the Bells - Arr. Tyree The First Noel - Arr. Tyree Coventry Carol - Arr. Hines

Soloists: Alicia Fisher, Marielle Cooper-Leach God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Arr. Williams

Soloist: Garnet Allen O Thou that Tellest – Handel Soloist: Joseph Knights

NARRATION

Audience Sing Along Carols - Arr Hines: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear/

Soloist: Edward Hark the Herald Angels Sing Cumberbatch NARRATION

Rocking Jerusalem – Arr. Dandridge

The Lydians No Room, No Room - Morris-Gray

The Lydians Glory, Glory, Glory to the New-born King – Arr, Hogan

Soloist: Edward Cumberbatch, The Lydians

O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel) - Adam, Arr. Gilchrist

Soloists: Alliyah Boland, Fayola KingLawrence, The Lydians

SECOND HALF NARRATION

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba – Handel

The Lydian Steel (Sinfonia for 2 oboes and strings from Solomon)

INTRO OF COMPOSER Excerpts of Missa Lydia – Noel

The Lydians Ave Maria (O Mary) Soloist: Astra Noel Across Sanctus NARRATION Guest Performance: PARANG SUITE Armonias Magnificas Black Cake and Sorrel - Arr. Samaroo

The Lydian Steel Out and Bad – Arr. Moore The Lydian Steel

CALYPSO SUITE: Christmas Coming - Duncan, Arr. Jacob

The Lydians Make a Friend for Christmas - Lord Relator, Arr. Jacob The Lydians NARRATION Rhythm of a People - Andell, Arr Hudlin

The Lydians Hallelujah From Messiah - Handel, Arr. Bishop The Lydians

THE END

Message from Lydian Steel Captain

Angels with Chrome Bells

By Astra Noel, Lydian Steel Captain

This Christmas as the theme of our performance is Angels Bending Near the Earth, it’s heartening as one of the concert musicians to know that the rest of that line is “to touch their harps of gold”. What a beautiful image these lyrics portray! If you close your eyes, you can almost imagine the celestial sounds breaking through the cold and darkness of the world bringing hope.

Similarly, we in Lydian Steel are excited this season “to touch our pans of chrome” as we join with the choir to bring a lively and uplifting programme of music to our audiences. It is a privilege to do our part in representing the true Christmas spirit and ministering to others. This year has been a very dynamic one for Lydian Steel. From finally being able to hold our Seasons of

Steel anniversary concert, to many important national engagements for the 60 th anniversary of Independence as well as corporate and private command performances, we have been kept on our toes. Our latest activities in November saw us as part of a contingent invited to Antigua for the Gemonites’ Moods of Pan Concert—a whirlwind weekend that made a huge impact on all involved and hopefully will be the beginning of something even more fruitful.

I would like to say thanks to all the Steel members who have been able to participate in activities this year in whatever capacity. Your efforts are truly appreciated. Special thanks to my Co-Captain, Joseph Knights who is really just quite amazing and without whom, many things simply would not happen. And special congratulations to our new Lydian Steel mummy, Tonya Perouze! God has blessed her and husband with a beautiful daughter this year and we are overjoyed for them.

Angels are certainly hard at work this year. May their efforts touch your lives for the season too.

Angels Bending Near the Earth CAST

LYDIAN SINGERS

Sopranos

BETHELMY, Josanne BOLAND, Alliyah

COOPER-LEACH, Marielle DAVIDSON, Valerie DE FREITAS, Nicole DE SILVA, Kevatia ELCOCK- STRAKER, Bridgit FISHER, Alicia

GAYLE, Nadine HILAIRE, Jade HOYTE, Jacintha JOEFIELD, Jeneal

KING-LAWRENCE, Fayola LEON, Simone

LEWIS-ROMEO, Monica PETERS, Cheryl PETERS, Michela POTTS, Glenis PYLE, Joanne QUINTAL, Jeanine RICHARDSON, Mekisha ROBERTS, Nasya WALKER, Terry Ann Altos

ALEXANDER, Nickisha

CHAN A SHING, Christine CHEVROTIERE, Gillian

DANIEL-LINTON, Paula

DAVID LEWIS, Christine

DOWRICH-PHILLIPS, Laura

DRAKES, Marilyn GILBERT, Marlene GREGORY, Sandra

HARRINGTON, Janice HENRY, Nisha

LANGE-SYRIAC, Joy LUCAS-MITCHELL, Renee MC FEE, Simone MOHON, Rhona NEAVES, Annette PHILLIPS-CHANCE, Judy-May THOMAS, Avion

Tenors

ALLEN, Garnet BEARD, Alexander J. BETHELMY, Jean-Paul CUMBERBATCH, Edward MENDEZ, Kory POON YING, Stefan WILLIAMS, David WILLIAMS, Jamel Basses

COLLYMORE-JONES, Bruce GUERRA, Fidel HUDLIN, Michael REID, Olusanmi Terry SHEPPARD, Kerry WHISKEY, Tarik WHITEHALL, Anthony WILLIAMS, Anton

LYDIAN STEEL

CHARLES RICHARDS, Kamaria - Double Seconds

HANUMANTA, Chelsea - Tenor

KNIGHTS, Joseph - Tenor/Double Tenor LOOBY, Akil -Tenor Bass

MC GREGOR, Sekou -Six Bass NOEL, Astra - Double Guitar REDHEAD, Marlon - Tenor Bass ROBERTS, Dennis - Percussion & Drum Kit

NARRATORS

FARRELL, Harmony GUERRA, Fidel WHITTLE, Patricia WILLIAMS, Jamel

MUSICIANS Accompanists

CUMBERBATCH, Myrtle JACOB, John JOSEPH, Samantha NOEL, Astra Guitar BELL, James

Tenor Pan CLARK, Gary Percussionists

CLARKE, Louise JOHNSON, Denzil

Angels Bending Near the Earth CAST

African Drummers

DYER, Anderson HINDS, Kwasi

Tassa Drums

BUCHOON, Shivan SOOGRIM-RAM, Mitra SOOGRIM-RAM, Prakash SOOGRIM-RAM, Ranjeet SOOGRIM-RAM, Sanjeet

Dholak

POONWASSIE, Brandon

String Quartet

FREDERICK, Tracell - Cello GAYAH, Marina - Violin HENRY, Treverne - Violin WALLACE, Samara - Violin

ASTOR JOHNSON REPERTORY DANCE THEATRE Dancers

BARTELS, Elisha HACKETT, Kaylan LEWIS, Anisa MOLINA SPRINGER, Nathalia MOLLINEAU, Kristen ROOPNARINE, Zidane SEEPAUL, Anya WILLIAMS, Natalia

Choreographers

BYNOE, Adele PHILLIP, Marlon ROOPNARINE, Zidane SPRINGER, Terry

Backstage support

FONG, Roxanne SEEPAUL, Allison SEEPAUL, Stephen SHURLAND, Susan

METAMORPHOSIS DANCE COMPANY

Dancers

BEREAUX, Chinara FLEMMING, Sade HOSEIN, Azara JULIEN, Isabelle MOTILAL, Jada Marie PADMORE, Emilee ROBERTSON, Anika WOO LING, Sarah

Choreographers

WILSON, Bridgette

Guest Performers ARMONIAS MAGNIFICAS Vocalists

AUSTIN-ANTOINE, Meredith

CHARLES, Neria

DE FREITAS, Maya DOLLY, D’vyan HUGGINS, Jade

Musicians

ARCHIBALD, Joshua – Electric Guitar

CHARLES, Obasi, - Steel Pan

HEADLEY, Shaquille - Congas

LEWIS, Kymani - Cuatro LEWIS, Nataniel - Maracas MAYNARD, Kelab – Acoustic guitar MC INTOSH, Yurah – Box Bass SORRILLO, Jeremiah – Toc Toc

Backstage support

WILLIAMS, Toni

Musical Director HINES, Carl Anthony

Associate Conductor HUDLIN, Michael

Creative Concept HINES, Carl-Anthony

Creative Director FARRELL, Harmony

Production Manager ALLEN, Garnet

Assistant Production Managers KNIGHTS, Joseph MOORE, Kwesi

Production Team

BEARD, Alexander J. BETHELMY, Jean-Paul HINES, Carl Anthony NOEL, Astra MENDEZ, Kory ROBERTS, Dennis WILLIAMS, David Stage Manager LAVINE, Leslie-Ann

Costume and Wardrobe WILLIAMS, David Wardrobe Team

DAVIS, Judy DE FREITAS, Nicole SMITH, Ian

Lighting Design WELLS, Celia

Production Credits

Set Design BISHOP, Gillian

Set Construction

ALLARD, Devon BISHOP, Gillian CLARKE, Colin EVANS, Robert JENKINS, Barbara JOSEPH, Natalie LUCAS, Derek LUE QUI, Marise SMITH, Hayden ST MARTIN, Paul TAYLOR, Valerie WILLIAMS, David Audio Engineer FOSTER, Robin Audio Team CHANGOOR, Alan TOUSSAINT, Kevin

Videography

ULTIMATE MEDIA LIMITED ANTOINE, Chikomo DALCHAN, Stephen Communications & Publicity ALEXANDER, Nickisha BETHELMY, Jean-Paul DAVID-LEWIS, Christine DOWRICH-PHILLIP, Laura MENDEZ, Kory MOORE, Kwesi NOEL, Astra WILLIAMS, David Communications Consultant DANIEL-LINTON, Paula

Choir Movement BYNOE, Adel Photography NUNES, Maria Artwork & Graphic Design CHANDLER, Ayrïd

Editorial Team

ALEXANDER, Nickisha BETHELMY, Jean-Paul DOWRICH-PHILLIP, Laura HINES, Carl-Anthony NOEL, Astra

Front of House FISHER, Analeze KAREEM, Patrice NIMBLET, Lyn NEAVES, Lendl PIERRE, Phaedra TRIM, George Ann Tickets and Box Office ALLEN, Garnet ROBERTS,

2023 – What’s in Store?

YOUNG ANGELS - A NEW HORIZON

The Lydian Tecomas is a Youth Development and Music Education Programme founded in 2022, born of the need to chart sustainable and fulfilling paths for this 44-year-old national treasure that is The Lydians. The Lydian Board of Directors explored various methods to ensure the organization has a reliable pool of talent from which members can continue to emerge.

As this initiative continues to build and blossom it is hoped it will provide benefits not only for the organization, in terms of legacy building, but also support two of its strategic pillars, previously explored in 2022 under the Adopt a School [for Music Festival] programme - Youth Development, and Community Outreach. It has been proven that music education and participation in the arts have long been known to improve the lives of youth from both academic and social perspectives. The Lydian Tecomas will cater to students who are between the ages of 10 and 18 years old and will be launched in January 2023

Email us at info@thelydiansingers.com for additional information and registration details.

INVITATION FOR FEEDBACK

We thank you for your support and patronage of Angels Bending Near the Earth and hope that – even if in the smallest of ways, our offering this Christmas season has touched you uniquely. As you leave us tonight we ask that you kindly take a couple of minutes to provide us with your valuable feedback via our client Feedback Form – by scanning the QR code below

Or use the URL Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/WTQoMsHiYknWtCKF7

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR LYDIAN COMMUNITY. Don’t forget to check out our merchandise in the lobby as you leave - take home a token from this experience or an early Christmas Gift! We look forward to seeing you at our events in 2023. Have a safe and enjoyable Christmas. Remember be an Angel to someone!

Lydian Life On and Off the Stage

Lydian Life On and Off the Stage

Lydian Life On and Off the Stage

Lydian Life

On and Off the Stage