PAN-demic: Sending the Music Everywhere

If there was ever a year when the world needed music, it’s definitely 2020. To say that the last few months have been difficult, for everyone, in almost every possible way imaginable, would certainly be an understatement. And, quite frankly, in an environment such as this some might wonder, “why bother to have a concert at all?” However, in the midst of the uncertainty of the present times it is telling that one of the most poignant and resonant moments of the year came from the instinct to share music publicly. In Italy—a country whose musical heritage has contributed extensively to The Lydians repertoire—while the pandemic rampaged through the population and the citizens were on strict lockdown, videos circulated worldwide of Italians sitting on their balconies and leaning out of windows singing and playing instruments together across the chasms between their apartment buildings. These actions not only brought solace and a sense of connection to the “performers” themselves but quickly, also, to anyone else who viewed them.

Powerful examples such as these, coupled with a strong desire to act upon the guidance of our Mission Statement—to share the gift of music to bring comfort and encouragement--helped to sway our initial discussions about our approach to Christmas 2020. We knew that this season we would have to be especially creative and innovative to produce a concert experience that would stand up to the constantly shifting local and international pandemic landscape. From one week to another, we, along with the rest of the nation, would listen to the official government press conferences to help guide our planning. Would venues be open? Would audience be allowed? How many people can be on the stage? What health and safety protocols would we have to introduce?

It soon became clear that this year, Christmas would have to be CHROME. A show featuring the Lydian Steel was decided upon as the natural choice for maximum impact while still being able to observe the social distancing and other rules that have now become part of our everyday lives. As a happy coincidence, this year, Lydian Steel celebrates its Silver Anniversary—25 years of dedication to the national musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago and to the vision of our founder, the venerable and unshakeable Pat Bishop. Her simple belief was that young (and young at heart) pannists with excellent technical skill and dedication, buoyed by the ability to read music, could not just play more complex orchestral works but could also finally accompany large scale choral repertoire with precision.

The rehearsal process for Christmas in Chrome saw us meeting over several weekends at the Sound Forge performance facility on Christopher Samuel Drive, Port of Spain. The band this year is mix of our current standard crew as well as some returning seasonal players. We are always happy when they come to perform with us as they bring great technical skill as well as much need levity and energy. Interestingly as well, with the contribution of the choir en masse with several “virtual choir” arrangements, the recording of which was handled very early on in the production process, our Steel rehearsal time benefitted from the presence and focused attention of our newly appointed Musical Director, Carl-Anthony Hines. He was able to have that time to really shape the music with us and create the synergy required to put on an excellent performance.

Well, what’s on the programme? I won’t list everything here but just give a taste. There’s

Corelli’s magnificent Christmas Concerto (aka “Tommy’s favourite warm-up piece no matter the time of year”) featuring a small core of Fayola Granderson, Kareem Brown, Joseph Knights, Tonya Perouze and Marlon “Tommy” Redhead as soloists supported by the rest of the orchestra. Perennial Lydians Christmas favourite, It’s the Most Wonderful Time reimagined as band transcription. Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night) as a powerful duet between two Steel members who also sing—soprano Malene Joseph and our always surprising counter-tenor Joseph Knights. De Local Something (aka Local Christmas medley part #2 aka “cue the Royal Castle ad”) from our Despers bass-on-loan Kwesi Moore. Also, my own local flavour with I Eh Do Nuttin Yet sung with relish by tenor Kory Mendez, ably accompanied by Shurvone Braithwaite on clarinet, with Andrew Samlal and myself on keyboard.

We were also excited to work for the first time with Adan Hagley, a young but accomplished jazz pianist and arranger. We have been anxious to make this collaboration happen for quite a while now and this season it has slotted in perfectly. His two arrangements of Postcard by Cro Cro and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen in his unmistakeable smooth kaiso-jazz style had us grooving in the rehearsal room and even more so on stage! Also being premiered is Mary’s Song, a reflective and ambitious seasonal piece by Michael Hudlin with two of our Steel frontline forming part of the ensemble there as well.

Our performance took place on our familiar Queen’s Hall stomping grounds—the difference this year being that Steel was front and centre featured on the stage. I must admit that having room to move rather than being in the jigsaw puzzle-like configuration of the orchestra pit that we are normally accustomed to was a refreshing development. We recorded over two long but productive days, bearing the delays and repeats that are a normal part of this kind of process with stoicism—not to mention trademark humour and ole talk! We are grateful to all the professionals and technical staff who worked hard to capture us at our audio and visual best. Also, thanks to all the Lydian support in managing and executing the run of the days and providing refreshments and care. We are happy to share the gift of company and comfort with you, our local and international audience, through our music. In so doing, we look forward to your support and generosity through your contributions to our listed donation portals. This year has been a tight one for everyone and performing arts non-profits such as The Lydians have felt the pinch and have had to recalibrate our offerings accordingly. We look to our stalwart followers and new friends in the fold for the help that we need to keep bringing you wonderful productions and exquisite artistry this year and beyond! We urge you to keep in touch with us on social media to see what’s the next spectacular Lydians experience that you can be a part of in 2021. I know for sure that a Lydian Steel concert is waiting in the wings.

Yet for now, join us as our shining chrome pans ring out as bells with the music of the season, drawing you in to come together in spirit! As we perform, we proclaim hope and joy, peace and goodwill. On behalf of Kareem, Avis, Roland, Tonya, Fayola, Joseph, Kadesh, Kamaria, Akil, Tommy, Kwesi, Natasha, Dennis and myself, our most sincere wishes to you and your families for a happy, holy and safe Christmas. As chrome heralds the aesthetic of the future, may we all step into the New Year positive that music, delivered with excellence and heart, will always be part of the answer no matter what question the circumstances may pose for us.