"The Gift" (2018) - The Lydians, Trinidad and Tobago

Explore the gifts of Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh...and Music!

13 – 16 December 2018 Queen’s Hall Auditorium 1

The Lydians: 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 God to 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.

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Contents 2

Note from the Musical Director

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About the Show

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Order of Programme

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Crew & Cast Credits

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“Till All Have Crossed…”

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Lydian Steel

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Acknowledgements

Designed by Ayrïd Chandler ayridbydesign.com

THE LYDIANS

Ayrïd Chandler is a graphic designer based in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. She is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Atlanta, highly creative and skilled and fast becoming one of the go-to talents for brand re-imaging and design in the local Arts community. She is also fondly considered a ‘Lydian by association’ since she has been attending concerts annually from a young age with her mother. Multitalented, with a wide range of interests, Ayrïd enjoys working with brands, along with amateur writing which comes to life through spoken word.

THE GIFT 3

NOTE FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Greetings one and all!

Once again it is Christmas time in our city, in our beloved country, Trinidad and Tobago. It seems that the more things change the more things remain the same. Christmas is that time of the year when we are reminded of our humanity, of the way we should all live with one another in order to attain that elusive peace and harmony that we all long for.

This year we remind ourselves of the gift that is Christmas and the significance of this gift. God gifted us with his son, the three wise men gifted the son, Jesus, with the most precious gifts of gold, frankincense, myrrh and the gift of music, song and dance that, as Trinbagonians we, The Lydians, continue to present to the world. We live in very uneasy and unsettling times and we hope that our music brings healing and a sense of joy and hope to everyone.

In closing, I quote Pat Bishop’s profound statement: “Until all have crossed, none have crossed and some we have to carry.”

Have a safe and wonderful Christmas as we trek forward with positivity and determination to work together to create a happier Trinidad and Tobago, 2019.

Lorraine Granderson Musical Director

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ABOUT THE SHOW

Lydians give The Gift of Music for Christmas Meticulously crafted by Musical Director Lorraine Granderson, this year, the Lydians explore the theme of ‘The Gift’- At the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, three gifts were given heralding him as the gift of salvation to all. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Along with these, the Lydians offer MUSIC, the most precious gift of all, the ability to perform it, a grace, an offering of goodwill and an action of love!

The programme is divided into three segments presented in the gifts of the three Kings. Myrrh (Renewal/death of the past), Frankincense (Reverence/Advent Hope, the birth and Nativity), and Gold (Rejoicing/Glorious now behold King). Just as the contemporary observance of the season celebrates the ritual of gift exchange with friends and loved ones, The Lydians seek to offer an exciting array of music, threaded through the gifts to eager audiences.

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LYDIAN SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT SEASON 2018: THE GIFT

Programme MYRRH:

INTRODUCED BY SPOKEN WORD Winter from The Four Seasons (mvmt 3) – Vivaldi – LYDIANS STEEL SOLOIST/PRINCIPAL: Fayola Granderson Va, Pensiero (Chorus of The Hebrew slaves) from Nabucco – Verdi (Conductor: C. Hines)

Ye People Rend… If With All Your Hearts (from Elijah) – Mendelssohn SOLOIST: Edward Cumberbatch/Kory Mendez Carol of The Bells/ I Heard The Bells – Sterling O Come O Come Emmanuel – Snyder Salvation is Created – Tchesnokoff (Conductor: C. Hines)

FRANKINCENSE INTRODUCED BY SPOKEN WORD

Adeste Fideles – Wade, Mercurio SOLOIST: David Williams Silent Night – Rouse O Holy Night – Adam, Gilchrist SOLOIST: Joanne Pyle African Noel (Jesus is Born) – Kauffman This Christmastide – Fraser – LADIES CHORUS SOLOIST: Germaine Wilson Across (from Missa Lydia) – Noel – MENS CHORUS (Conductor: C. Hines) Gloria In Excelsis (From Gloria) – Vivaldi Joy To The World – Kuykendall Go Tell it/ Jesus, Oh What A Wonderful Child – Ames, McKay SOLOIST: David Williams

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LYDIAN SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT SEASON 2018: THE GIFT

Intermission GOLD!

INTRODUCED BY SPOKEN WORD A Local Christmas Medley – Moore – LYDIANS STEEL

Ring The Bells! – Kirby Christmastime in the City – Strommen SOLOISTS: Nakita Gadsby, Dirk Govia Red and Green Christmas – Cattouse SOLOIST: Glenis Yearwood/Renee Lucas – Mitchell I eh Do Nuttin yet! – Noel SOLOIST: Kory Mendez I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS – A GIFT OF LYDIANS Sweet Lil Boy Jesus/Glory Hallelujah to the Newborn King! – Germaine Wilson The Impossible Dream – Darrion, Leigh – SOLOIST: Barry Martin Duet Item - Eddie and Barry – SUNDAY ONLY Sing Sweet and Low - Stork – SOLOIST: Edward Cumberbatch - SUNDAY ONLY

A Million Dreams for Peace on Earth – Arr. Brewster SOLOISTS: David Williams, Fayola King-Lawrence, Kory Mendez A Christmas Medley – Gadsby SOLOIST: Nakita Gadsby

CALYPSO PIECES - JACOB: Calypso Rising (sung as a tribute to all fallen Kaisonians) – SOLOIST: Kory Mendez Sip and Chat – SOLOIST: Jamel Williams Baron Medley – SOLOIST: Jamel Williams

Hallelujah (from “Messiah”) - Handel

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CAST LIST LYDIAN SINGERS

Sopranos

BAYLEY, Erica BOLAND, Alliyah BREWER, Joycelyn BROOKS, Tamara DAVIDSON, Valerie DAVIS, Marlene De FREITAS, Nicole FISHER, Alicia* FISHER, Analeze GADSBY, Nakita HARPER, Wilza HODGE-CHRISTIAN, Lyris JAGGERNAUTH, Andrea JOEFIELD, Jeneal KING, Sharon KING-LAWRENCE, Fayola, KNIGHTS, Utilda* MARCANO, Josanne MORRIS, Destiny MOSES, Khadija PIERRE, Phaedra PYLE, Joanne QUESNEL, Anya SEEJOOR, Camille VALERE, Tsianne WEBER, Yvonne WHITEMAN, Lesle Ann WHITTLE, Patricia WILSON, Germaine YEARWOOD, Glenis

Altos

ALKINS, Patricia ALLEYNE, Amaya ALLEYNE, Francine CHAN A SHING, Christine* CHEVROTIERE, Gillian DAVID LEWIS, Christine DRAKES, Marilyn EDWARDS, Claudette GEORGE, Jacqueline GILBERT, Marlene GLASGOW, Donna GREGORY, Sandra HODGE, Selma JITTANSINGH-PHILLIP, Shail JOSEPH, Helena E Le MAITRE, Patricia LUCAS-MITCHELL, Renee

MANDEVILLE, Camera Mc CONNEY, Elsa MOHON, Rhona NEAVES, Annette PIANGO, Teodolina PHILLIP-CHANCE, Judy May RENAUD, Diane RICHARDS, Marissa TARDIEU, Judy* TAYLOR, Oneca THOMPSON, Shelley-Ann VALERE, Regina-Marie WILLIAMS, Claire

Tenors

ALLEN, Garnet BEARD, Alexander J. BETHELMY, Jean-Paul CAMPBELL, Alvin CUMBERBATCH, Edward MENDEZ, Kory PHILLIP, Arnold REID, Olusanmi ‘Terry’ SAWH, Shurland WILLIAMS, David* WILLIAMS, Jamel*

Basses

BERTRAND, Patrick COLLYMORE-JONES, Bruce GOVIA, Dirk GIBBS, Matthew GUERRA, Fidel MARTIN, Barry WHISKEY, Tarik WILLIAMS, Anton MUSICIANS

Lydian Steel

CHARLES, Kamaria Double Seconds GRANDERSON, Fayola Tenor/Double Tenor KNIGHTS, Joseph Tenor/Double Tenor LOOBY, Akil Tenor Bass MOORE, Kwesi Six Bass NOEL, Astra Double Guitar PEROUZE, Tonya Tenor/Double Seconds 8

REDHEAD, Marlon Tenor Bass ROBERTS, Dennis Percussion & Drum Kit

Accompanists

BODDEN-RITCH, Lindy-Ann CUMBERBATCH, Myrtle JACOB, John NOEL, Astra Special Guest Keyboardist BREWSTER, Mark Other Musicians BELL, James Guitar & Ukulele CLARK, Gary Tenor Pan, Cuatro BERTRAND, Patrick Box Bass Electric Bass McGREGOR, Sekou Clarinet BRATHWAITE, Shurvone Saxophone HENRY, Michelle African Drums CLIFFORD, Christopher DYER, Anderson HINDS, Kwasi PHILLIPS, Xavier Tassa Drums SEERAM, Jeewan SOOGRIM-RAM, Mitra SOOGRIM-RAM, Prakash SOOGRIM-RAM, Ranjeet SOOGRIM-RAM, Sanjeet DANCERS LEWIS, Anisa MOLLINEAU, Kristen SEEPAUL, Anya WOODING, Sidelle * Section Leads

PRODUCTION CREDITS Musical Director GRANDERSON, Lorraine

Communications & Publicity CHARLES-FARRAY, Janine DANIEL-LINTON, Paula DAVID-LEWIS, Christine GIBBS, Matthew LUCAS-MITCHELL, Renee MENDEZ, Kory

Assistant Musical Director HINES, Carl-Anthony

Artwork & Graphic Design CHANDLER, Ayrïd

Creative Director MANWARREN, Wendell

Editorial Team CHARLES-FARRAY, Janine DAVIS, Marlene HINES, Carl-Anthony

Production Manager BERTRAND, Patrick Production Team ALLEN, Garnet BEARD, Alexander J. CHARLES-FARRAY, Janine HINES, Carl-Anthony GRANDERSON, Lorraine NOEL, Astra ROBERTS, Dennis Set Design & Construction ERMINY, Edwin CREATOR DESIGN Costume & Wardrobe EDWARDS, Claudette WILLIAMS, David Audio Engineer DONAWA, Victor Lighting Design WELLS, Celia Choreography & Movement BYNOE, Adele SEEPAUL, Allison

Special Guest Management CHARLES-FARRAY, Janine DORSET, Lenore S. MENDEZ, Kory Front of House ALLSOP, Malik BREWSTER, Alison KAREEM, Patrice NIMBLETT, Lynn MOORE, Marguerite Tickets & Box Office ALLEN, Garnet CHARLES-FARRAY, Janine FISHER, Alicia HODGE, Selma Mc CONNEY, Elsa ROBERTS, Dennis WILLIAMS, David Home Land Furnishing La Tropicale Flower Shop Queen’s Hall Signature 2000

Stage Management BERTRAND, Donna-Marie STEWART, Asha

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Executive Management Team ALLEN, Garnet BEARD, Alexander J. CHARLES-FARRAY, Janine DAVID-LEWIS, Christine EDWARDS, Claudette GRANDERSON, Lorraine HINES, Carl-Anthony PEROUZE, Tonya NOEL, Astra ROBERTS, Dennis Board of Directors CALLENDER, Dawn DORSET, Lenore S. FROST, Sterling JONES, Brian WHITEMAN, Leslie-Ann Supernumerary Directors COOPER-LEACH, Marielle POTTS, Glenis

Who Will Carry My Brother Across?

BY ASTRA NOEL

If I may offer my own interpretation: Till all have crossed: everyone has to come along; we don’t forget or ignore or leave people behind; everyone is worthy; constant forward motion. None have crossed: without everyone’s presence and input we are incomplete; any inertia or retrograde movement within the group eventually stagnates the whole And some we have to carry: we must be prepared to assist those who are willing but need help; we must be prepared to coax along (read: drag) those who will inevitably resist; it is our duty to help ourselves and each other. And if I may also add, after all this fuss about crossing, where exactly are we going?

“Till all have crossed, None have crossed, And some we have to carry.”

-Pat Bishop Unlike one of her other favourite sayings by the mystic Julian of Norwich (“And all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”) the lines quoted above were a mantra of Pat’s own making--both similar in structure and cadence, but the second perhaps, carrying even more weight.

She would often say it during rehearsals, slowly and deliberately, accentuating with cowbell on the words “all”, “none”, “some”, “have” and “carry”. Members present would usually join in under their breath somewhere in the middle, much like a congregation belatedly finding the correct page in their hymn book, crescendoing up to a resolute end. The temptation to say “Amen” afterwards was always great, though it never was actually said as far as I know, (nobody so brave!) but was always implied by the pregnant pause that would normally follow. It was a genius rallying point and a clear statement of belief as a leader and of expectation of a Lydian. It was encouragement and admonition and reminder and prediction all in one.

In contemplation of all of this, I present as my gift for Christmas 2018, “Across”-a section of my ongoing Missa Lydia project (a mass I am composing for and inspired by The Lydians to be premiered in its entirety in 2019).

Though its sentiment is meant to relate to all Lydians (and by extension all the audience) it is sung by a men’s chorus because I firmly believe that Pat had a special place in her heart for the Lydian Men and their singular, powerful sound.

“Across” is my attempt to capture in music the feeling of a group striving and yearning to move forward, supported only by the heartbeat of the drum.

Sometimes strictly together, other times on parallel but highly individualistic paths, and still yet other times in undulating and cyclical motions, bouncing and bending off each other’s failures and triumphs.

Since Pat’s untimely passing in 2011, The Lydians has had to navigate a vast valley cast by the shadow of her death.

It has been a period of reassessment and reorganisation. There has been need for self-definition and a thorough examination of our capacities and processes, and how to leverage those to attain the vision to which we strive.

This time in the valley has truly been one where Pat’s saying rings louder than ever.

One note, one beat, one foot after another, we step towards the light. And every now and again, if you listen real real good, you might just hear a cowbell.

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Steel Family Gift Exchange

BY ASTRA NOEL ON BEHALF OF LYDIAN STEEL

As I sat on the short wall at the top of the corridor in Bishops taking in the evening breeze, I watched as Dennis and Jo emerged from our basement spot under the stage, work shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows, looking a bit dusty and sweaty. I overheard them talking about what they would have to bring to complete the task tomorrow. At that point I couldn’t help but exclaim in disbelief, “Y’all really coming to finish clean out this room on DIVALI?? Allyuh doh like yuhself or what?” I was shocked and perturbed and was half-hoping that at any moment they would laugh along with me so I could see that they were not, in fact, serious. Instead, Dennis just gave a small grin and said “Yes, but we like you all more and we want to make sure the room is a good environment, especially for the ladies.” I confess I didn’t have a snappy comeback for that one. And while over the years I have become accustomed to Dennis’ focused, workman-like and almost blunt approach to whatever needs to be done, I found myself genuinely floored by something else in his answer. It was sincerity and warmth and a sense of duty to family.

Lydian Steel is a family. This is a concept we have always embraced amongst ourselves and has been evolving constantly in its meaning to and exhibition by each member. I believe though that 2018 has been a real watershed year for us with respect to the sharing of individual gifts and contribution to the family. We have spent so much time together this year (really, just constant rehearsal and performance without much break)

that it was probably inevitable that more quirks and talents of each of us would emerge. I’ve already mentioned Joseph and Dennis who have now firmly established themselves as (and trust me, this is an official title that will find itself on a t-shirt in the near future eh): Tech/Logistics/Maintenance/De Mornee/Riddim Section/Photocopies/ Managers of Food and Water--this last one being particularly appreciated as Dennis works for the local firm “Red Juices” (figure it out!) and Jo has a serious sweet han’. But what of the others who have travelled the 2018 road with us? What gifts have they offered?

Akil is a quiet steady presence in the background and has continued to improve his playing on the tenor bass to really boost up the middle section.

He doesn’t say much but is always clearly listening and when something really strikes him, he will come with a comment from out of nowhere that will have us rolling or just stunned. This year for example, we found out just how much of a comic book Marvel freak he is when he waxed poetic about Black Panther. He is also one of the “East” crew and helps makes sure that others get a safe ride home.

Tommy is committed to us and has been for years, but also more so now to his sons and his job. Once the stars align though and he can make it to practice, he is a willing and hardworking player.

He has a great memory for music and during down time in rehearsal would often strike up some old song that the rest of us haven’t thought about in ages.

He grins as he teasingly prods “faster, faster!” whenever we try to settle on a 11

possible. She is our strongest advocate within the organisation and our loudest and proudest promoter and defender outside. Her love for Pat Bishop runs very deep and she guides and encourages us to always strive for Pat’s vision for the Steel as a unique, visionary and boundary-crossing group of young pannists.

speed for a piece in rehearsal. As our original tenor bass player and one of the most experienced, he is a great mentor to Akil and to the background section in general.

Kwesi has been like lightning in a bottle to us. Young, bright, multitalented, hard-working, creative, dedicated, self-effacing, passionate about music and full of an endearing sense of wonder--it’s always an experience with him around. He is a great example of what the new emerging generation of Trinidadians has to offer in outlook and ability. Not to mention his style preference of day-glo fluorescent t-shirts has been adopted by us in our first bright green printed “band t-shirt” created this year which took everyone by surprise when we showed up at the Lydians Family Day.

It is probably bad form to write about oneself but I would say, as far as I have been told, the gift I bring to the group is mainly a talent for spooling crazy fantastical monologues out of almost anything with very little prompting.

I enjoy making people laugh and keeping the atmosphere friendly and warm. I also do quite a bit to help with the interpretation and understanding of the music. I am a co-captain and usually represent the group on Management and other behind the scenes teams.

And just occasionally, I write original compositions for the choir and Steel, a couple of which will be heard in this year’s concert.

On a typical rehearsal night, somewhere around 8:30 p.m. a small figure comes quietly down the steps. While the rest of us always seem to be carting around luggage, she just has pansticks, a bottle of water and her keys. She doesn’t say anything, or maybe just a quiet “goodnight” and listens to where we’ve reached in the piece, flips through her music and eventually joins in. Some minutes later, we stop at a passage full of fast, finicky notes. Everyone looks up at her and after a moment of silence, someone, usually Jo will finally say, “So, ahm, Fayola, you playing that right?”

She looks, tries it, messes up a bit, laughs and tries it again. Way too fast!

Laughs some more. All shall be well.

I must mention at this point that we welcome Kamaria Charles, a new young recruit playing with us on the double seconds! We are glad to open the family to include her. And we also love and acknowledge all the Steel members that have not been able to play with us this season.

This Christmas as The Lydians celebrate the greatest gifts given to the greatest King, we in the Steel, through the national gift of the steelpan present you with a rich musical feast for your senses! From the bitter cold gusty winds of Vivaldi’s Winter 3rd Movement (featuring our resident nonchalant crackshot Fayola Granderson) to the triumphant and joyful strains of beloved Christmas carols; from mellow nostalgic ballads to the bouncing, driving pace of

Tonya is our fierce and fearless cocaptain. Her penchant for organisation and home-iness, and always being a teacher at heart has helped to make sure that Steel stuff is always together and taken care of and that our environment is as pleasant as 12

our Soca Parang Medley (arranged by our very own Kwesi Moore whose writing style gives away that he is also a bass player in Despers!)--you will certainly not leave us empty-handed.

So, come spend some time with the family. Eat someting before yuh go!

Acknowledgements Andrew Rodriquez Andy Neil Anjanie Lochan Anthony Pierre Bernard Beckles Cindy-Ann Gatt Christine David-Lewis Cyrus Sylvester Brent Carter Dexter Charles Dominic Hadeed Gillian Bishop Gillian Chevrotiere Gregory Aboud Jacinta Pinard-Thompson Jean-Paul Bethelmy Kavita Maharaj Kiran Maharaj Keron Yan Kory Mendez Larry Olton Lisa Burkett Marielle Cooper-Leach Marlon Danglade Matthew Gibbs Michael P. Cooper Pat Hernandez Pradeep Subrian Racquel Afong Renee Lucas-Mitchell Rolph Clarke Nicole De Freitas Peter Mansoor Sean Nero Sunil Whittle Wendell Constantine

The Principal and Staff of Bishop Anstey High School Andes Industries B.C. Catering Limited Blue Waters Products Limited CL Communications Limited Fabric Land Stores FLOW Trinidad Limited First Citizens Limited Guardian Media Limited – The Big Board Company Home Land Furnishing Hott 93 Jimmy Aboud La Tropicale Flower Shop National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago National Lotteries Control Board Newsday Newspaper Prestige Holdings Limited Queen’s Hall Signature 2000 Trinidad Express Newspapers TTT Limited

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN THE LYDIANS? Come to Bishop Anstey High School Hall, Keate Street, Port of Spain Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 7.30 p.m.

Contact us: The Lydian Hotlines: 794-6391, 268-9556 info@thelydianstt.com www.thelydianstt.com

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