Seasons of Steel - Concert Booklet

SATURDAY 16TH | 7:00PM SUNDAY 17TH | 5:30PM JULY 2022

THELYDIANSTT

@THE_LYDIANSTT

THELYDIANS.ORG

INFO@THELYDIANSINGERS.COM

2

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

MISSION STATEMENT We be li e v e in God. O ur b elief deman d s that we li v e in ser vice of God’s Gre a t e r G lo ry.

We re c o g ni s e that music is a gif t an d t h a t the abi li ty to p er f or m it is a gr ace - t h i s le ads us to develop our skills to th e i r fulle st and to give to all who wish, o u r c o o pe rati o n and sup p or t that they m a y de ve lo p their own ab ility.

We re c o g ni s e that our imp rovement a s m usi c i ans w ill b e achieved only thro u g h unre le nti ng eff or t, through p r actice a n d di sc i pli ne , through accep ting instr u c t i o n and by o ur w illingness to b e p atien t a s w e te ac h and encour age other s.

T he frui t o f our eff or t we off er only t o Go d to fe e d Hi s hungr y to he al Hi s sick to e duc ate His untaught.

We o ffe r o ur song as well: to bri ng so la ce where there is gr ief, to m ark hi s p resence where there i s j o y, and to bri ng H is Name to all p eop le.

We se t o urselves the goal of ex cellen c e ; Pe rfe c ti o n w ill not b e achieved in o u r m o rtal li v e s b ut that knowledge doe s no t re m i t o ur eff or t, f or we know th a t i f j udg e d wo rt hy, we shall hear the Pe rfe c t Harm o ny, Eter nal; as we retur n to Go d .

CONTENTS 6

MESSAGE FROM THE MUSICAL DIRECTOR

by Carl-Anthony Hines

10

GREETINGS FROM OUR SPONSOR - FIRST CITIZENS

13

CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS

by Professor Sterling Frost, Chairman The Lydians Board of Directors

14

VIVALDI IN THE VERNACULAR OR, AS WE LIKE IT

by Carl-Anthony Hines

18

HAPPY 25TH, LYDIAN STEEL!

by Astra Noel - Lydian Steel Captain

20-21

CONCERT PROGRAMME

22

THE HISTORY OF LYDIAN STEEL: 1994 - THE PRESENT

32

MESSAGES FROM LYDIAN STEEL MEMBERS

36

CAST & CREW

MUS I C A L DIR E C TOR Carl-A ntho ny H in es

“…He t ur n s the s e a s ons a round An d so h e cha nge s h e r gown B ut th ey al way s lo ok i n thei r pr i me T hey g o o n d a nci ng the i r da nc e Of e ve rl ast i ng rom a nce Moth e r E ar th a nd Fa th e r Ti me… ” From “M other Ea rth an d Fath er Tim e”

by She r ma n Brothers as s u n g fo r th e a n ima te d f ilm “C ha rlot te’s Web” ( 197 3 )

As h u m a n s w e m o v e t h ro u g h l if e in s e a rc h o f p a t t e rn s a n d id en t if y in g c y c l e s . T h i s i n s t i n c t e x i s t s in m a n y ways to lessen the feeling of the i n c o m p re h e n s i bl e w o rl d a rou n d u s be i n g l a rg e l y u n k n o w n . C y cl es a re c o m f o r t i n g i n t h e i r i n e v i t a b i l i t y, and manageable in their transience.

This offering is in praise of our thriving, in observance of coming upon and making it through d i ffe re n t m a rk e rs a n d m il es t on es – and acknowledging that in its cycle, t h o u g h t h e ye a rs m a rc h on , w e ca n look to comforting re-iterations, and prepare for coming difficulty. In Vivaldi, we find a musical assistant n a rra t o r t o h e l p g u i d e y ou t h rou g h o u r s e a s o n s a s e x p e ri e n ced s o f a r – a n d l o o k i n h o p e t o a l l t h a t w il l come.

T h e Ly d i a n S t e e l , f o u n d e d b y Pat Bishop, boasts as a chamber ensemble, the most concentrated ensemble of proficient, music literate, formally trained musicians in pan at present.

In fact, of the 11-member e n s em ble yo u will hear in this performance, while all have some formal qualifications in m usi c : 5 pe rso n s hold at least an undergraduate degree in music, 3 are pan arrangers, 3 are music educators, and our youngest members are CSEC

and CAPE m u s i c s t u d e n t s (o n e of who m g ra d u a t e d t h i s m o n t h – Congrats Kamaria!) who aspire to b e pro fe s s i o n a l p l a ye rs a n d composers. People, we know wat we doi n ’! T h i s o f c o u rs e m a k e s f or a re m a rk a bl y e ffe c t i v e a n d encouraging space for going “b eyon d t h e n o t e s ” o f a p i e c e we are u n d e rt a k i n g , w h i l e a l s o being able to achieve a great deal of n u a n c e a n d v i rt u o s i t y.

“ D i d h e J u s t s o l fe g e t h a t r u n … . at tempo?”

I re m e m be r m y fi rs t in t er a ct ion with the Lydian Steel (“The Steel” as we call them). I, a little over a month into my Lydian sojourn, had volunteered to help with the transcribing a n d d i s s e m i n a t i o n o f orch es t r a parts for the 2014 production of the Verdi Requiem. I descended into the basement rehearsal space at Bishops, and for the first time saw the players.

8

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

Laughing while playing random themes from the full score t h e y had up to this p oint b een practicing with, my presence was not immediately noticed.

A m o m e nt o f clumsiness later and all e ye s were on me, and a silence fell. After a speedy introduction, I was then tasked with passing on the parts for the work. And of course, a cruel uni ve rse e nsu red that the f ir st piece I had to hand out was the first section of the Dies Irae.

O ff to a lo ve ly f ir st encounter, r ig ht?

Me rc i fully the f ir st p iece they did end up playing from my hand turned out to be the Robert Ray worship song “‘til All my People Are One.” And i t w a s w e e k s l a t e r b e f o re o u r t r aum a bo ndi ng over that self same Dies Irae – plenty of time to forget who handed it to them.

As the years have progressed m y fasc i nati on, p r ide and love for the ensemble grows deeper.

They are truly the first ‘S’ in the “ S S AT B ” m u s i c o f t h e Ly d i a n s ( d o n ’t t e l l t h e s i n g e r s I s a i d t h at – I do n’t p lay f avour ites).

“. . th e mo st c o nc entra ted ensemble o f

I am elated each time I am given the opportunity to interact wi th the Ste el. As a choir and band geek who plays wind and pe rc ussi on, it is always a t re at to se e musicians in their element – without the fear of spending an inordinate amount o f ti m e addressing intonation.

pro f i c i ent, musi c li tera te, fo r ma lly tra i ned musi c i a ns i n pa n a t present. ”

S o m e o n e ’s n o t e w h i l e p l a y i n g a triple pan not fitting into the unison well? Which other of your pans has that note?

Play that one…and yes, that is more in tune – play it on t h a t . B a m , w e m o v e on . Th ere’s a l s o t h e fa c t t h a t I g et t o w in e d o w n t o B a c h , C o re l l i , Vi v a l d i , and Handel while conducting.

And that would be considered perfectly normal. This given that some movements necessitate chipping behind your pan to get

t h e fe e l j ust ri ght and it is the perfect space for a Caribbean m usi c i an to fe e l at home.

I hope we do you, our audience, supporters, and fellow people of the steel, proud. Feel free to wine down in yuh seat. As you leave, remember to wine, sip, chip, and cheer to a Lil’ Bach and Handel every now and t h en. We thi nk they ap p reciate i t mo re than stu ff y p ats of the hands.

If this fe e l s l i k e a s e n t i m e n t a l ramble, it sort of is. I am proud of the steel for attaining this milestone. As we look to our history and indeed at what c o m e s b e y o n d t h e n o w, I l o o k forward to more meaningful work and connection… I also accept that every rehearsal will start at intimidation, then make i t s w a y i n t o r a n d o m l a u g h t e r, c u s s i n g t h e m u s i c d i f f i c u l t y, the promise of dances at the weddings of members when

things go right, and libations a ft e r t h e p e rfo rm a n ce.

Bless C a rl An t h o n y Hi n e s

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

11

12

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

14

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

VIVALDI IN THE

VERNACULAR OR, AS WE LIKE IT

BY CARL-ANTHONY HINES

dominated and cycled in their w a ys t h ro u g h o u t o u r ex is t en ce.

The show’s music is thematically set into four seasons, which for us here are synonymous w i t h s t a t e s o f be i n g , w h ich w e parallel as themes from Vivaldi’s 4 s e a s o n s s u i t e o f w or ks : S e a s o n o f Pa s s i o n , E x cit em en t , a n d F r e e d o m ( S u m m e r - 1 st Movement) Season of Reflection, Reverence, and Respect (Winter - 2 nd M o v e m e n t ) Season of Harvest, Celebration, and Change (Au t u m n - 3 r d M o v e m en t ) S e a s o n o f P o s s i b i l i t y, Ho p e , a n d Re n e w a l ( S pr in g - 1 s t Movement)

The Lydian Steel presents our 25th Anniversary recital “Seasons of Steel,” to the world this we e k e n d . I t i s a l a bo u r o f laughter and love. It is also an exercise of syncretism and i n n o v a t i o n . We w i l l t a k e y o u through Seasons that have

Our show boasts music from t h e l a t e 1 6 0 0 ’s d o w n i n t o t h e present day (in one instance the very present-day). Interestingly, there will likely be very few moments where you will feel fu l l y i n o n e w o rl d o r t h e ot h er.

As s a i d be fo re , t h e s h ow is l a id o u t i n t h e m e s o f t ra n s it ion a n d emotion. Here, you will find an a ri a fro m Ha n d e l a bo u t in t en s e love and yearning chipping ri g h t be s i d e B i z e t , w h o g a l l ops beside Verdi – being lashed by t h e w i n d s , d ri v i n g r a in a n d

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

h u r r i c a n e i m a g e r y o f B r o w n ’s Te m p e s t . A n d t h e b e a u t i f u l thing is, to us as Caribbean pe ople who wi ll p lay, sing, and li st en… the re i s this f eeling of r i ghtne ss – that this is how we d o i t! But why?

“Hold on please. While that t em po i s g re at a nd is cer tainly po ssi ble fo r a v iolin, is roll we ro lli ng – o n a pan.”

While our repertoire for this show – a n d g e ne rally – b egins in the e a r ly We ste rn c anon and moves i nt o and aro und all genres and cultures we can creditably cajole from our chromatically tuned c h rom e , the re i s a uniq ueness i n t h e ac t o f o u r off er ing. Yes,

“Hold on please.

While that tempo is great and is certainly possible for a violin, is roll we rolling – on a pan.”

we are transmuting pieces f rom th e i r o ri g i n a l i n s t ru m e n t s o n t o a n o t h e r. B u t t h a t i s n o t rare. Orchestrators take piano scores and put them into full ensemble pieces for classical c h a m b e r o rc h e s t r a s a n d l a r g e r ones. Often, even the reverse is tr ue. I t i s n o t a n u n h e a rd - o f innovation to transpose music for one’s context. But then what i s n e w h e re ? i s i t t h e r a n g e s ?

A question of colour? Soundmaking l i m i t a t i o n s ? T h e a n s w e r is yes, all of these and no – but mostly n o .

As a percussion instrument, pans are played by striking, and as with most pitched percussion instruments, a note is sustained

by ro l l i n g – h i t t i n g t h e s u r f a ce i n ra p i d s u c c e s s i o n f or a s l on g as the sound is desired. It is w h y s o m e t i m e s p l a y in g a piece that moves at allegro dominated by quavers on a pan may be easier on the wrist than playing Vivaldi’s “Largo” from his Winter violin Concerto from the Four Seasons suite (don’t worry, you will hear both of these examples i n t h e s h o w ) . I n o n e ca s e, t h e m u s i c i s m o v i n g a t prob a b l y a t most 16 notes/hits every four b e a t s – i n a n o t h e r, r o l l i n g f o r fo u r s l o w be a t s c o u l d h a v e y ou s t ri k i n g a n o t e u p t o 60 t im es , a l l fa s t e n o u g h fo r t h em t o b e indistinguishable as separate notes.

15

16

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

In tha t w a y, p a n p l a y e rs l e a rn the same fact that wind players and v i o l i n i s t s a l s o a c c e p t e a rl y on – “Them Long notes is mur der! ” But have we come upon why yet?

I s i t t h a t w e a re f e e l i n g p r i d e at ma k i n g i t s o u n d C a ri bbe a n / Trinbagonian by virtue of it being on our instrument? I mean, in many ways this is the answer – b ut be a r i n m i n d t h a t t h i s i s not ne w fo r u s . I n B i z e t ’s o p e ra Carmen, the Iconic Habanera Aria is an actual Habanera – A Cuban

contradance! The music of the region has been influencing the E u ro p e a n m e t ro p o l e f a r l o n g e r than the peal of our pans.

T h e a n s w e r, a s I s a id is t h is – transposing onto a pan – but i t a l s o i s n ’t j u s t t h i s . I t i s o n a pan – and what “playing it on a pan” means when those p a n s t i c k s a re i n t h e h a n d s of a Tri n ba g o n i a n .

W h o b u t Tr i n i s g o i n g t o l i s t e n t o Ve r d i ’s a n v i l c h o r u s , h e a r t h e c l a n g a n d s a y “ A h , is iron , l e h w e c a l yp s o d i ch or u s ” a n d in seconds the Gypsies are in conversation with some good

rum, chipping in de band? What other spirit but a Caribbean one would compose a piece n a m e d Te m p e s t , a n d h a v e ho r s es runni ng with the f eel of c old r ai ndro ps hi tting the b ack of your neck? A piece where thunder rumbling like an oldt i me tv stati o n si gning off , and all the while dizzying chromatic runs at breakneck speed, playing r h y t h ms that fe e l r andom until you realise, they’re also the pattern of heavy wind and fat r a i n d ro ps landi ng on galvanize roofs! Nobody does do it like we .

And as we chip out the hall to Merchant, let us – as this programme aims to – meld all parts of us that may at a glance se em di sc o rdant and ill-f itting, into one beautiful whole. Come, L et U s Bui ld a N ation together !

Comparison dissimilar unpleasant six compliment two unpleasing any add.

Ashamed my company thought wishing colonel it prevent he in. Pretended residence are something far engrossed old o ff . U n p l e a s a n t a s t o n i s h e d a n d i m i nuti o n.

18

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

H APPY 2 5 , LY D IAN S TE E L !

TH

M es s a g e fro m Lyd i a n S te e l Ca p ta i n, As tra Noel Pa s s i o n , E x c i t e m e n t a n d F re e d om What a pleasure it is to be playing music fo r l i v e a u d i e n c e s a g a i n ! To b e a b l e t o re h e a rs e a n d p e rfo rm t o g e t h er is t r u l y a bl e s s i n g . I w o u l d s a y t h a t h a v in g t o wait a few years to put on this show h a s o n l y a d d e d t o o u r fe rv o u r t o crea t e a fantastic programme of music that t ru l y re fl e c t s t h e l e g a c y o f Ly d ia n S t eel a n d t h e d re a m s o f o u r fo u n d er, Dr. Pa t Bishop. The concert is organised around Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons—a cornerstone w o rk o f t h e B a ro q u e re p e rt oire. A s on e o f Ly d i a n S t e e l ’s m o s t m a j o r m u s i c a l u n d e rt a k i n g s , t h e re a l i s a t i o n of t h is on s t e e l p a n i s e ffe rv e s c e n t a n d el ect r ic.

Re fl e c t i o n , Re v e re n c e a n d Re s pect We h a v e m u c h t o t h i n k b a c k o n . 2 5 y e a rs o f c o u ra g e t o a t t e m p t m u s ic t h a t might intimidate others. 25 years of innovation and creativity in the way w e p l a y, r e f l e c t e d p a r t i c u l a r l y i n o u r t r i p l e f ro n t l i n e p a n s e t u p . 2 5 y e a r s o f music literacy—not just playing notes

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

From the very first members to our current crew, Steel has always comprised a dynamic crosssection of people. neatly prepared for us but, more often than not, reading and interpreting on-spot o rc h estral sc o re s, vocal scores and pi ano re duc tions. 2 5 year s o f s a c ri fi c i ng ti me and eff or t in the pursuit of the excellence to be found in challenging creative wo r k.

tried to continue to be available to play as they can. An occasion like our 25th anniversary is certainly a reason to return, and we welcome those who have. We also continue to celebrate our y o u n g e r Ly d i a n S t e e l m e m b e r s who bravely take picong and the occasional buff but also receive much mo re a t t e n t i o n a n d c a re .

(m o re o n t h i s l a t e r) — t ou r in g is such a bonding and maturing experience! I look forward to more original work being offered by members. Notwithstanding the generosity shown to us by a few organisations, I pray fervently for the day when we have our own dedicated re h e a rs a l s p a c e .

Possib il i t y, Ho p e a n d Re n e w a l

T h a n k y o u f o r a l l y o u r e ff o r t s Joseph, Fayola, Chelsea, Kareem, A v i s , K a m a r i a , A k i l , To m m y, Kwesi and Dennis. Thank you to Carl and Michael for your guidance. I am proud to be leading Lydian Steel through this experience. Onwards to a g re a t s h o w !

Harvest, Celebration and Change It is time to reap and enjoy the fruits of our labours!

From the very first members t o o u r c u r re n t c re w, S t e e l h a s always comprised a dynamic cross-section of people. Lots o f d i ff e r e n t p e r s o n a l i t i e s a n d backgrounds but always with m usi c as a uni ti n g p r incip le. In t h e i nte rve ni ng year s, changes in careers, marriage and children, educational pursuits and othe r c i rc umstances of lif e have seen some members “hang up their sticks”, but many have

A s Cap t a i n , l o o k i n g fo rw a rd t o the years to come, I see several goals that we would like to accomplish, both for the Steel in particular and for The Lydians organisation as a whole. I would very much like the band to grow in num be rs , n o t n e c e s s a ri l y t o always h a v e a h u g e s t a g e s i d e but to be able to alternate p l a y e r s a b i t m o re s o t h a t w e can accommodate the realities of everyone’s very busy lives. I am excited for us to go abroad soon

19

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

SE AS O N S OF ST EEL

20

National Anthem of th e Re p u bl i c o f Tri n i d a d a n d To ba g o S o lo: Ka re e m Brown Nar r ation (Introit and S u m m e r)

Season of Passion, Excitement, and Freedom Presto (3 r d mvmt) Fro m S u m m e r, T h e Fo u r S e a s o n s [VI VAL D I ] S o lo: Ka re e m Brown , Fa y ol a G ra n d er s on Highlights f rom Car m e n [B I ZE T, a rr. HI N ES ] “Care Selve” f rom A ta l a n t a [HAN D E L ] S o lo: Edwa rd C u mb er b a t c h Con voce Festiva [SCARL AT T I ] S o pra no: Alicia B a r r ie Trump e t: Ch e ls ea Ha n u ma n t a a n d Fa y ol a G ra n d er s on Anvil Chor us f rom Il Tro v a t o re [VERD I ] w/ Ly dia n Ensemb l e

Season of Refle ction, Reverence, and Respect Nar r ation Lar go (2 nd mvmt) Fro m Wi n t e r, T h e Fo u r S e a s o n s [VI VAL D I ] S o lo: Ka re e m Brown , Fa y ol a G ra n d er s on

“Una Fur tiva Lagr ima” fro m L’E l i s i r D ’Am o re [D ON I ZET T I ] S o lo: Kory Me n d ez I B elieve [LEV ISALLES] Due t: Edwa rd Cu mb er b a t c h a n d M a l én e J os eph /N a k it a G a d s b y Ar ia and Gigue f rom Orc h e s t ra l S u i t e i n D m a j o r, n o . 3 [B AC H] Conf utatis f rom Mess a d i Re qu i e m [VE RD I ] S o lo: Mich a e l H u d l in Temp est [B RO WN] I n t e rm i s s i o n [2 0 m i n s ]

N arrati o n A l l eg ro ( 3rd m vmt) f rom Autumn, The Fo u r S e a s o n s [VI VAL D I ] Solo: K are e m Bro wn, Fa y ola Gra n d er s on B arc aro lle “Be l le Nuit” f rom Les Contes d ’Ho ffm a n n [OF F E N B AC H] Duet : Malé ne Jo se p h /S a ma nth a J os eph a n d J os eph K n ig h t s W h ere E’e r yo u Walk f rom Semele [HAND E L ] Solo: Da v id Willia ms Walk To g e the r Children [A r r. H OGA N] Solo: Eddie Cumbe rba tch P r a i s e Hi m wi th the Sound of Steel! f ro m M i s s a Ly d i a [N OEL ]

Season of Possibility, Hope and Renewal N a r rati o n A lle g ro ( 1s t m vmt), f rom Sp r ing, The Fo u r S e a s o n s [VI VAL D I ] Solo: K are e m Bro wn, Fa y ola Gra n d er s on Funi c uli F uni c u la [DENZA, ar r. LEZA MA- M ORL EY ] Tri o: D avid Willia ms, Edwa rd Cumb er b a t c h , a n d K or y M en d ez O r i s ha So ng s [ A r r. ESDELLE] - Og un B erelea - IO - G UEST ARTISTE Chantal Esdelle a n d M o y e n n e – k e ys , ba s s , Afri c a n d ru m s Lydi an Steel C o m e , L e t Us Build a Nation Together [ D E N N I S “ M E RC HAN T ” F RAN K LY N a rr. M OORE ]

P ROGR A MME

Season of Harvest, Celebration, and Change

19 94 – THE PRESENT

TH E H I STORY OF TH E LY D I AN STEEL:

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

One evening in October 1994, the newly formed Solo Pan Knights Steelband was at rehearsal in their panyard. The p a n n i s t s w e re h a rd at work preparing th e i r p i e ce s for “Pan i s B e a u t i f u l V ”, t h e Trinidad and Tobago National Steelband Music Festival. A s u r p r i s e v i s i to r w a s announced.

Pat Bishop, doyenne of Trinidad and To b a g o’s s t e e l b a n d music scene and m u s i c a l d i re c t o r o f T h e Lyd i a n S i n g e r s , was doing the round of panyards to li s te n to pa nn is t s in the early stages of rehearsal and had d ro p p e d i n t o h e a r th e ne w ba nd .

One evening in October 1994, the newly formed Solo Pan Knights S t e e l ba n d w a s a t re h e a rs a l in t h eir p a n y a rd . T h e p a n n i s t s w e re h a r d a t work preparing their pieces for “Pan is Beautiful V”, the Trinidad and Tobago N a t i o n a l S t e e l ba n d M u s i c Fes t iv a l . A s u rp ri s e v i s i t o r w a s a n n ou n ced . Pa t

23

24

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

Bishop, doyenne of Trinidad and Tobago’s steelband music scene and musical director of The Ly d i a n S i n g e r s , w a s d o i n g t h e round o f panya r ds to listen to p anni sts i n the ear ly stages of rehearsal and had dropped in to hear the new band. A steelband rehearsal usually consists of the pannists learning pieces by rote with each phrase repeated until learnt. Entire pieces of music with complex arrangements have to be committed to memory by each member of the band b e f o r e p e r f o r m a n c e . W h e n Pa t Bishop entered Solo Pan Knights panyard she was greeted with an a mazi ng si g ht. She saw a group of young persons playing music while engrossed in reading score sheets under the baton of Ben Jackson. Here at last w ere panni sts who could lear n q u i c k l y, c o u l d a d a p t e a s i l y t o chang e and who could have an u n l i m i te d re per toire. Here was a vision of glorious possibilities f o r the future of Steelb and.

After the Festival, Pat proposed to Ben Jackson that the band a c c o m p a n y t h e Ly d i a n S i n g e r s at their annual Christmas concert. At the time, Ben was also musical director of Success S t a r s Pa n S o u n d s S t e e l b a n d , a school-based steelband whose p laye rs had fo r med the core of Solo Pan Knights for the Festival season. It was this former group along with another steelband,

The En t e rt a i n e rs t h a t , i n 1 9 9 4 , provided the first steelband a c c o m p a n i m e n t f o r t h e Ly d i a n Sing e rs .

The following year when the fused group had become a m o r e c o h e s i v e b o d y, t h e y undertook their first major work by accompanying the Lydian Singers in Frederick Delius’ “Koanga”. This was a historic event of global musical sign i fi c a n c e a s i t w a s t h e fi rs t time that a steel band had accompanied a complete opera.

The combination of steel and electronic instruments produced a brand new and wondrous sound which became the s i g n a t u re a c c o m p a n y i n g s o u n d for the Lydian Singers. The band was now so closely identified with t h e Lyd i a n S i n g e rs t h a t i t b e c a m e k n o w n a s t h e Ly d i a n Stee l .

During the years 1996 to 1 9 9 8 , Ly d i a n S t e e l p l a y e d a n increasingly essential role in the Ly d i a n S i n g e r s p e r f o r m a n c e s .

Ly d i a n S t e e l a c c o m p a n i e d t h e Lydian Singers at the Easter c o n c e r t s , t h e Fe s t i v a l S u n d a y s in July as well as the annual Christmas concerts. In this period Lydian Steel and the Lydian Singers undertook s e v e r a l m a j o r w o r k s t o g e t h e r, including, in December 1996, thei r s e c o n d o p e ra , D o n i z e t t i ’s “ L’ E l i s i r D ’ A m o u r ” . T h e r e w e r e

also welcome opportunities for showcasing the talent of individual pannists in solo p e rfo rm a n c e s o f w or ks s u ch a s Ge rs h w i n ’s “ Rh a p s od y in Bl u e” and the second movement of R a c h m a n i n o ff ’s “ S e c o n d P i a n o C o n c e rt o ”. I n Au g u s t 1999, t h e b a n d a c c o m p a n i e d t h e Ly d i a n S i n g e rs i n ye t a n ot h er oper a – Pu c c i n i ’s “Tu ra n d ot ” w h ich r a n fo r fi ft e e n p e rfo r m a n ces .

The composition of the membership of Lydian Steel continued to evolve, with a s i g n i fi c a n t c h a n g e occu r r in g in the latter half of 1999. While in the planning stage for the performance of Mozart’s “Piano Concerto in A major (K488)”, Pat met with Lorraine Granderson, m u s i c t e a c h e r o f Bis h op A n s t ey High School and director of t h e s c h o o l ’s p r o g r e s s i v e a n d accomplished senior steel ensemble. It was agreed that t h e t w o s t e e l ba n d s w ou l d w or k at performing this challenging concerto together and almost i m m e d i a t e l y re h ea r s a l s b eg a n .

T h i s n e w g ro u p , com pr is in g t en school-age girls and the original Lyd i a n S t e e l m e mb er s – a t t h e time eight mainly boys from Success Laventille – were, quite surprisingly, a well-matched set.

T h e o l d Ly d i a n S t e e l m e m b e r s brought experience and raw panyard-honed pan playing talent and the Bishops girls

brought music-reading ability and a naïveté that was inspiring, b o t h t o t h e n e w Ly d i a n S t e e l c olle cti v e and to Pat her self .

As for the actual performance o f t he Mo z art, i t was b r illiant, with the pan superbly complementing the virtuoso play i n g o f ac c o m p lished Lydian accompanist, Lindy-Ann BoddenRitch. That night in November 1 9 9 9 a t Q u e e n ’s H a l l m a r k e d the beginning of a journey of

growth, both in musicianship and m a t u ri t y o f a v e ry s p e c i a l group o f y o u n g p e o p l e .

The year 2000 brought new challenges to the band, most notably the Brahms “Requiem”.

This work for Easter 2000 was the first major work that the new Lydian Steel performed with the Lydian Singers and was a plunge into untested waters if there ever was one – both challenging and exciting. This experience

a l s o m a r k e d t h e e n s e m b l e ’s first church pilgrimage with the c h o i r. M a n y n i g h t s o f c o m i n g back to Bishops on the bus with tenor pans being cradled on the laps of dozing players helped to build character and stamina, as w e l l a s c a m a ra d e ri e .

A t t h e e n d o f t h e y e a r, t h e Ly d i a n ’s a n n u a l C h r i s t m a s concert allowed Lydian Steel t o s h i ft i n t o a d i ffe ren t m od e, accompanying the choir and the

26

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

d anc e rs fo r so me of the p ieces in “The New Genesis”. This o r i gi nal wo rk w as comp osed in par t by J o hn J acob , the choir ’s d e f ac to fo lk / c alyp so ar r anger.

Over the years, John has come to treat the band as an extension of the choir; teaching the singers a new song and then e v ery fe w li ne s hastily yelling out some chord progressions in t h e b a n d ’s g e n e r a l d i r e c t i o n .

In this slightly haphazard yet functional system, the raw m usi c al tale nt of the memb er s of Lydian Steel becomes evident as any di sc re pa ncies in John’s arrangement are quickly c or re c te d.

T h e ne xt ste p for Lydian Steel was really the major leap in the development of the ensemble. At the invitation of the Miami Bach S oc ie ty, the band p er f or med on t h e o pe ni ng ni ght of their 2 nd A n n ual Tro pi c al Baroq ue Music F e s t i v a l a t F a i r c h i l d Tr o p i c a l Gardens in Coral Gables, Miami.

The major works for this concert were the “Brandenburg Concerto no.2 in F major” (Bach) and the “ A i r and G i g ue f rom Orchestr al Suite in D major” (Bach).

The performance was further enhanced by the presence of guest soloist Michael Zephyrine.

The response of the Festival audience and organisers was nothing short of tumultuous.

The Executive Director of the Society declared that, “the musicians are to be lauded

for their intensity and focus a n d t h e a b s o l u t e b e a u t y, b o t h a u r a l l y a n d v i s u a l l y, o f t h e i r performance.” The Society went on to pay the highest c o m p l i m e n t t o Ly d i a n S t e e l b y breaking one of its own rules of not inviting a group back the year following their performance by immediately asking the ensemble to return to Florida to op e n t h e Fe s t i v a l i n 2 0 0 2 .

The Miami 2001 experience firmly established Baroque music as the period of choice for

t h e Lyd i a n S t e e l . It a l s o h el ped t o g e l t h e ba n d b ot h m u s ica l l y a n d p e rs o n a l l y a n d , a f t er s u ch an excursion, a short hiatus was c e r t a i n l y i n o r d e r. T h e r e w a s no such luck however and in Ap ri l t h e ba n d p er f or m ed w it h t h e Ly d i a n S i n g e r s in a con cer t series entitled “Music for Easter” followed in August by a n o t h e r c o n c e rt s er ies w it h t h e t o u ri n g M a g d a l e n C ol l eg e C h oir o f Ox fo rd U n i v e rs it y, E n g l a n d .

The Lydian Steel concert, entitled “Basically Baroque”, was held

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

i n N ov e m be r 200 1 at Under the Tr e e s , H o t e l N o r m a n d i e a n d w a s the fi rst su ch event to b e s t ag e d by the ba nd at home in Tr i n i d a d . S e l e c t i o n s f r o m t h e Baroque Festival repertoire were performed and the individual talents of the band were also on display with pan solos by Sophia Subero and Kareem B ro w n a n d a p i a n o s o l o o f a n original composition by Astra Noel. This concert was very well received and was yet another step forward for the band in its quest to be recognised as its own legitimate entity and n ot o nly an ac c omp animent to t he c ho i r.

March 2nd, 2002 met a 16-member s t r o n g Ly d i a n S t e e l o n s t a g e for their second appearance a t t h e o p e n i n g o f t h e Tro p i c a l Baroque Music Festival in Coral Gab l e s, Mi am i . The major wor k for that year was to become one of the landmark achievements o f t h e Ly d i a n S t e e l . V i v a l d i ’s “ T h e Fo u r S e a s o n s ” w a s m o r e

T h e M iam i 2 0 0 1 experience fi r m l y e st a b l i s he d Bar o q ue m us i c a s t h e p e r i od of c h o ic e for t he Ly dia n St e e l .

techni c a l l y c h a l l e n g i n g , l o n g e r a n d i n c i d e n t a l l y, f a s t e r t h a n anything the band had ever attempted before. The piece has now b e c o m e a s t a n d a rd i n t h e b and’s re p e rt o i re .

Miami 2002 also featured the ensemble’s major collaboration with pi a n i s t L i n d y - An n B o d d e n R i t c h . T h i s p i e c e w a s B a c h ’s “Harpsichord Concerto no.5 in F minor”. In addition, the b a n d p e r f o r m e d C o r e l l i ’s “Concerto Grosso no.8 in G minor (The Christmas Concerto)”, a work which was deb uted a t t h e p re v i o u s ye a r’s Christmas concert as a stunning collaboration between the Lydian S t e e l a n d t h e C a ri bbe a n School o f D a n c i n g .

T h e q u a l i t y o f t h a t y e a r ’s performance won the band a special place in the hearts of the Fe s t i v a l o rg a n i s e rs a n d a n invitation has been extended ever y ye a r s i n c e . Ho w e v e r, t h e ensemble did not make the trip in 2003 due to the fact that

m a n y o f t h e m e m b e r s w e re i n the middle of Cambridge A-level e x a m i n a t i o n s p re p a r a t ion s .

Ye t s o m e h o w t h e b a n d s t i l l managed, albeit with a much reduced side, to make it New York in June 2003 for successful joint performances with the Lydian Singers and David Rudder at the prestigious Brooklyn C e n t re fo r t h e Pe rfo r m in g A r t s .

T h e y e a r ’s o t h e r e n g a g e m e n t s included the benefit concert for rising young baritone star Michael Zephyrine and an a p p e a ra n c e a t Pa n Roy a l e w it h Robert Greenidge as a guest p e rfo rm e r.

Soon enough it was 2004 and Lydian Steel was once again o p e n i n g t h e Tr o p i c a l B a r o q u e Music Festival on March 6th.

H a n d e l ’s “ M u s i c f o r t h e R o y a l F i r e w o r k s ” a n d Te l e m a n n ’ s “Suite in A major” were the w o r k s o f c h o i c e t h a t y e a r.

The performance was made all the more special due to the collaboration between

27

28

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

the steelpans and the viola da gambas of accomplished musician Jay Bernfeld; an unorthodox combination, the outcome of which was surpri si ng ly har monious.

The 25th Anniversary celebrations o f the Lydi an Singer s (also the 10th anni v e rsar y of the Lydian Steel) began in a magnificent manner from September 2004 with the Monteverdi “Vespers”, performed in fifteen churches throughout the course of the month. This work really stretched the musical capabilities of the band members and the experience served to further enhance the skills of the e n se m ble .

N e xt up was, the annual Miami tour in March 2005 which f eature d Vi v a ldi’s Concer to no.

10, not to mention a handful of brand new members. Then i t w a s o ff t o To b a g o w i t h t h e choir to celebrate the mutual anniversaries of the National Gas Company (our sponsors) the Lydian Singers and Steel and the Signal Hill Alumni Choir. The b a nd the n tur ned its attention to furious preparation for its own concert in April and the c h o i r ’s p r o d u c t i o n o f G l u c k ’s “Orpheus and Euridice” in S epte m be r 20 0 5 .

I n 2008, Sc e nes f rom the Song o f H i a w a t h a [ C o l e r i d g e Ta y l o r / Longfellow] saw all cast and

orchestra in native costume to present a very moving and e m o t i o n a l s t o r y. I n 2 0 0 9 , T h e Messiah [Handel] was performed complete with African and Indian drums and African folk dan c e rs . I n 2 0 1 0 , M i s a C u ba n a [Viti e r] g a v e u s a n o p p o rt u n i t y to play fresh authentic regional music with challenging rhythms a n d h a r m o n i e s . To t h i s d a y the “Plegaria” from this work is one of our most regularly performed pieces. In 2012, Vi v a l d i ’s G l o r i a w a s t h e y e a r ’s maj o r u n d e rt a k i n g . I n 2 0 1 4 , a s part of the 35th Anniversary p er fo rm a n c e s , Ve rd i ’s Re q u i e m w a s p e r f o r m e d a t S t . F i n b a r ’s RC a n d Tri n i t y C a t h e d ra l . T h i s work was very well received and tested the capabilities of the choir, Steel and guest orchestra to th e a bs o l u t e l i m i t s .

In 2015, the Lydian Steel cele bra t e d i t s 2 0 t h a n n i v e rs a ry and was featured in a special w a y i n t h a t y e a r ’s C h r i s t m a s production at Queen’s Hall. New young members have joined and have contributed their talents not only as players, but also as arrangers, taking a type

of initiative we are happy to e n c o u ra g e . We c a n prou d l y s a y t h a t , e v e n g i v e n T h e Ly d i a n s recent challenges of finding a new home and navigating our new responsibilities to o u r c o r p o r a t e s u p p o r t e r, F i r s t Citizens, the group has managed t o s t i c k t o g e t h e r. W E c o n t i n u e t o p ro v i d e s u p p o r t t o t h e ch oir and to the organization as a w h o l e a n d a l s o s t ren g t h en ou r o w n i d e n t i t y.

W h i l e t h e Ly d i a n S t e e l ’s membership, repertoire and capabilities have evolved over the years, one thing that has n o t c h a n g e d a n d t h a t s t il l s et s the band apart from most other s t e e l o rc h e s t ra s in t h e cou n t r y is the ability of all the members t o r e a d m u s i c . I n a w a y, t h i s necessity has sometimes hampered the growth of the ba n d a s i t h a s o f t en h a ppen ed that prospective members do not last very long, being intimidated b y t h e s i g h t - re a d i n g a b i l i t y o f t h e ba n d a n d t h e s h eer v ol u m e o f m u s i c t h a t t h e pl a y er s m a y be expected to absorb in one session.

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

It is also important to remember t h a t Lydi an Ste e l is essentially a group of young people.

C u r r e n t l y, t h e a g e r a n g e i s between 16 and 35. A large pro po rti o n o f th e or iginal core members passed through half of secondary school while in the band, juggling the commitments of CXC and A-level examinations and , m o st re c e n tly, univer sity, with the long practise hours t h a t the pe rfo rmance schedule and musical repertoire of the Ly d i an Ste e l re qu ire.

The band in its many incarnations – at one time not too long ago the m e mbe rs num bered six in total – h a s bo aste d an d continues to b oast m ulti -tale nted memb er s.

Among the ranks of Lydian Steel are talented soloists, arrangers, composers, pianists, dancers, artists and others. There is also originality in the band in the actual arrangement of the pans.

Lydian Steel pioneered the use of t h ree te no r pans b y one p layer, either in the configuration of t w o do uble te nor s and a tenor or two double seconds and a t eno r.

While Lydian Steel can cite many achievements of its own, the band has also been instrumental in assisting other steelbands to achieve success.

In fact, it was through the support the band members were providing for Solo Pan Knights o n t h a t fa t e fu l d a y i n 1994, that they came together as a unit which formed the nucleus of Lydian Steel. In the finals of the competition of the 1 9 9 4 Fe s t i v a l , S o l o Pa n Knights placed fourth. The unit continued assisting the Solo Pan Knights and prepared them t o e n t e r t h e i r f i r s t Pa n o r a m a competition. This is the premier steelband competition in Tr in i d a d a n d To ba g o a n d i t is held during the Carnival s e a s o n . M o re t h a n a h u n d re d steelbands, many longestablished and well organised, compete fiercely for top honours in that competition.

The fledgeling Solo Pan Knights gained fourth place in the 1995 Panor a m a C o m p e t i t i o n .

In 1995 also, the members of the unit, armed their new skills and expertise, carried their founding band, the Success Star s Pa n S o u n d s , t o fi rs t p l a c e

in the Schools Junior Music Fe s t i v a l . T h i s a c h i e vem en t w on the band a trip to participate in t h e Abe rd e e n M u s i c Fes t iv a l in Scotland in 1996. In that year t o o , S u c c e s s S t a r s Pa n S o u n d s successfully defended their title as Schools Junior Music Festival Champions.

Lydian Steel then moved on t o t h e b i g s t a g e a t t h e Wo r l d S t e e l b a n d M u s i c Fe s t i v a l 2 0 0 0 .

Steelbands from around the world, including participants from the USA, the UK, France and Switzerland as well as from the birthplace of the instrument, Trinidad and Tobago vied for honours at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain, Tr i n i d a d . L y d i a n S t e e l ’s B e n Jackson conducted TCL Skiffle Bunch, a San Fernando-based steelband whose membership included many Lydian Steel pannists. Their performance o f L e n “ B o o g s i e ” S h a r p e ’s “ I n t h e Ra i n fo re s t ” s a w TC L S kiff l e B u n c h c ro w n e d Wo rl d S t eel b a n d Fe s t i v a l C h a m p i o n s .

29

“…He t ur n s the s e a s ons a round An d so h e cha nge s h e r gown B ut th ey al way s lo ok i n thei r pr i me T hey g o o n d a nci ng the i r da nc e Of e ve rl ast i ng rom a nce Moth e r E ar th a nd Fa th e r Ti me… ” From “M other Ea rth an d Fath er Tim e”

by She r ma n Brothers as s u n g fo r th e a n ima te d f ilm “C ha rlot te’s Web” ( 197 3 )

T h i s y e a r, 2 0 2 0 , i s o u r 2 5 t h a n n i v e r s a r y. I n t h e m i d s t o f t h e pandemic, we are headlining this C h ri s t m a s s e a s o n fo r C h r is t m a s in C h r o m e , h a p p y t o b e o n Q u e e n ’s Hall stage again showing the versatility and talent of the band and also accompanying the choir and wonderful guest artistes.

Looking forward to the future, the band hopes to acquire some new instruments and we are also w o rk i n g o n p l a n s fo r a f u l l - f l ed g ed Steel concert in 2021. It is expected t h a t Ly d i a n S t e e l w i l l c o n t i n u e t o

e v olve and tak e on even more e x c i ti ng pro j e c ts as its jour ney of musical discovery continues.

The musically literate pannist will hopefully be the way of the future and we are happy t o l ead the c harge and sup p or t the growth and development o f our pe o ple an d our national i nst r um e nt.

B en J ac k so n, 20 1 6 ( U p date d Astra Noel, 2 0 2 0 )

ROLAND RILEY Twenty-Five Years is such a major milestone and whilst Lydian Steel is officially celebrating during the 25th year, I remember our humble beginnings a little earlier than 1996.

M ES S AGES FRO M S TE EL M E M B E RS

The year was 1994 and Ben Jackson was approached by the deceased Dr. Patricia

command performance that was requested

“Pat” Bishop T.C. to get a “small side” of

by Hugo Chavez, that was a big one with

reading musicians to perform with the

selections like the “Quodlibet” and “Battle

Lydians at their annual Christmas concert.

Hymn of the Republic” to name a few.

Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed a handful of us took the task at hand and performed

Lydian Steel was really coming to its own

alongside the Lydians Singers and that

when Ms. Bishop decided that we needed

performance heralded the birth of Lydian

some more players and the addition of the

Steel.

girls, now women from the Bishop Anstey High School Steel Orchestra was such a

The next year we began preparing for the

wonderful addition to the awesome group

opera- Koanga by Frederick Delius and

that already existed. We performed jointly

Lydian Steel made history by being the first

for the first time at a recital with Lindyann

steel orchestra to provide accompaniment

Boden-Ritch performing an exceedingly

for a full-length opera.

difficult Mozart concerto, or so we thought at the time because as we became more

The Years went by, concerts with Exodus and

proficient at sight reading and playing the

Lydians, Christmas concerts, performances

pieces also grew in complexity.

at churches but who can forget the

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022 Then came the next phase of our

careers and other pursuits got in the way

development, overseas travel, and touring

of making beautiful music. Though we are

concerts. We performed at the Miami Bach

diminished in numbers, a handful of us still

Society’s festival concerts a total of five

perform and make wonderful music when

(5) times, which was against the society’s

our lives permit.

original mission which was to invite new

“Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed a

talent for every series of concerts. The

Work commitments made me unavailable

Steel visited New York where we performed

for this concert series, although I have

alongside David Rudder whilst the choir had

looked forward to it since the planning

travel opportunities to Panama and other

began, 4 years ago.

the task at hand

Today, we are celebrating the 25th

and performed

regional destinations.

At this time of our development, we had

anniversary of the existence of Lydian

mastered Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” The

Steel by bringing some old favorites and

Telemann Suite, Handel’s Music for The

some new and exciting offerings for your

Royal Fireworks, Bach’s Air & Gigue, Corelli’s

indulgence. We will also share the stage as

Christmas Concerto and a host of other

we always have, with some of the Lydian

early music pieces and concertos. We were

Singers accomplished soloists. Thank you

a full-fledged Baroque Music Orchestra

for your support and we hope to see you

who accompanied the Lydian Singers on

at as many Lydian Steel & Lydian Singers

occasion.

concerts to come.

Lydian Steel had done it all, four (4) full

Take good care and thank you.

length operas under our belts, tours, concerts and performances both locally

Roland S. Riley

and abroad. Then the numbers began

Founding Member of Lydian Steel

to dwindle, people grew up, people got married, started families, began new

33

handful of us took

alongside the Lydians Singers and that performance heralded the birth of Lydian Steel.”

34

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

KINO ALVAREZ

In 2020 I received a BFA in Theatre Design and

Cheers to the Lydian Steel on their 25th

I joined the Lydian Steel circa 2003, after

Production from the University of Trinidad

Anniversary, to you I say congratulations.

Ms. Bishop found out that I had acquired

and Tobago, currently, I am pursuing and

And, I challenge you to continue being a

music theory certificates in Grade’s 1, 2 and

MBA with the University of East London,

beacon of light and hope to communities

3. The experience with the steel, under the

and very recently I got accepted into Yale

and souls around the world, because music

direction of Pat Bishop was phenomenal,

University to study for an MFA in Technical

is a global language. Do the work!

and is without a doubt one of the most

Design and Production. Additionally, my

influential experiences in my life to date.

career in the cultural and creative industry

Thank you for everything,

has seen me working with various local,

Your ‘Wild Boy’,

As an exuberant youth, who at that time

regional and international talents, including

Kino Alvarez

was still navigating teenage life, it was truly

Grammy award winning artistes.

a blessing to have someone like Pat Bishop, who saw my potential, and took the time

All of these achievements and experiences

“Until all have crossed, none have

to guide and mentor me throughout my

belong to the Lydian Singers and Lydian

crossed, and some we have to carry”

adolescent years. The Lydian Singers and

Steel family, just as much as they belong

- Pat Bishop.

Lydian Steel felt like my real family, and

to me. They all played a major role in

to this day I would always credit them as

my musical, professional, academic and

one of the shining lights that kept me away

personal growth, and I feel privileged to

from dark paths.

be considered a part of the Lydian family.

The orchestra has given me the opportunity to express myself freely. During my first encounter with the Lydian Steel, I was engulfed with a sense of warmth. I instantly came to the realization that this was not only a band but rather a family making music together. Practices with the band are relaxed yet productive and I think the

CHELSEA

strong bond amongst talented players is

HANUMANTA

are welcomed and so are mistakes. Every

brought me out of my comfort zone and

member is comfortable enough to express

allowed me to enhance my sight reading

Since I first joined, Lydian Steel has become

himself and contribute his or her opinion

skills and knowledge of the different

an important part of my musical life. The

in the band. This type of atmosphere in

musical periods. Classical music is no easy

band has allowed me to serve a purpose as

a band is of utmost importance when

task but the Lydian Steel is able to execute

a young musician and as a member of the

producing emotionally provocative music

Vivaldi’s four seasons effortlessly in a few

Lydian family. This is why I feel obliged to

directed to audiences. Lydians Steel must

sessions. I would not have been able to

upkeep the legacy of the extensive talent

be commended for its years of creating an

serve my role in this orchestra if it was not

and unity present in the ensemble. The

atmosphere that is conducive to performers

for the experienced players who guided me.

reputation of this steel orchestra precedes

when they are doing what they love.

They are the foundation of Lydian Steel that

what allows this. In Steel, all questions

has allowed it to prosper and I am blessed

it due to the talent and dedication of its players and I am honoured to be a part of

The ensemble has given me the opportunity

to be able to celebrate the years these hard

it. The 25th anniversary of Lydian Steel calls

to perform with and learn from professional

working musicians have put in.

for celebration because the players have

players with years upon years of experience.

built a legacy of high quality performances

I admire the members of the Lydian Steel

I am glad to be given this God blessed

and provision of a comfortable place for

for their ability to execute music at sight,

opportunity to contribute to the performance

musicians to perform. Personally, as a

observing aspects such as articulation and

of this band and continue to learn and add

musician in this united group, I can firmly

phrasing simultaneously. I always found

to my musicality. It is because of these

say it has positively impacted the musical

this incredible, and to be surrounded by

years of progression of the Lydian Steel

aspect of my life and improved my ability

competent musicians with this ability, I feel

that I am able to benefit in these ways.

to express myself.

honoured. Being a member of this band has

This celebratory performance for the silver jubilee anniversary of this steel orchestra has given me the chance to give back to the place that has welcomed me, made me feel comfortable to express myself and emphatically influence the musical sphere of my life. It has shaped me to be a great musician in the making and I am forever thankful. I look forward to celebrating this auspicious occasion with the Lydian Steel orchestra!

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

C AS T & CREW

36

LY DIAN STE E L BROWN, K A REEM - TE NO R/DO UBLE TE NO R BRU CE- BROWN, AVIS - TE NO R/DO UBLE SECO NDS CHA RLES RICHARDS, K AMARIA - DO UBLE SECO NDS GR A ND ERS O N, FAYOL A - TE NO R/DO UBLE TE NO R HA NUMA NTA , CHE LSE A - TE NO R KNIGHTS , J O S EPH - TE NO R/DO UBLE TE NO R LO O BY, A KIL -TE NO R BASS M O O RE, KW ES I -SIX BASS NO EL , A S TR A - DO UBLE GUITAR RED HEA D, M A RLON - TE NO R BASS RO BERTS , D ENNIS - PE RCUSSIO N & DRUM KIT

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

S O L OI ST S B A R RI E, Ali c i a C U M BERBATC H, Edwar d G A D SBY, N ak i ta H U D LI N , Mi c hae l J O S E PH, Male ne K N I G HTS, J o se ph M E N DEZ , K o ry W I L L IAMS, D av i d N A R RAT I ON W H I T T LE, Patri c i a S U P PORT I N G MUSICIA NS A cc om pani s ts C U M BERBATC H, Myr tle J O S E PH, Sam antha Pe rcus s i o ni s ts C L A RK E, Lo ui se M O O RE, Te rre l

LYDIA N S I N GERS * E n s e m bl e Sop r an o s BARRIE, Al i c i a BETHEL M Y, J o s a n n e DE FREI TAS , N i c o l e JOEFIELD , J e n e a l A ltos A LEXA N D E R, N i c k i s h a DAVID-L E WI S , C h ri s t i n e MC FEE, S i m o n e Tenor s CUMBE RB ATC H, E d w a rd MENDE Z, K o ry WILLIAMS , J a m e l Basses A LLEN, Ga rn e t CO LLYM ORE - J ON E S , B ru c e

SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMERS CHANTAL ESDELLE & MOYENNE ESDELLE, Chantal HAYWOOD, Gary REDON, Douglas

37

38

SEASONS OF STEEL | July 2022

P RO D U C TI O N CRE DI TS Musi c al D i rector HI N ES, C arl-Anthony Asso c i ate C onductor HUD LI N , Mi c hael C re ati v e Co n cep t HI N ES, C arl-Anthony J OSEPH, Malene N OEL, Astra PER OUZ E, Tonya

Produ c t i o n Te a m M e m be rs B EARD , Al e x a n d e r J .

B ETHEL M Y, J e a n - Pa u l CHAN A S HI N G, C h ri s t i n e KNIGH T S , J o s e p h HINES , C a rl - An t h o n y NO EL, As t ra RO B ERT S , D e n n i s Stage M a n a g e r B ERTRAN D , D o n n a M a ri e

Pro duc ti o n Manager BERT RAN D , Patr ick

Asst. S t a g e M a n a g e r STEWART, As h a

Asst. Pro duction Manager AL LEN , G arnet

Costu m e a n d Wa rd ro be WILLIA M S , D a v i d

Wa rd ro be Te a m D AVI S , J u d y S M I T H, I a n Lighting Design WEL L S , C e l i a S e t D e s i g n , C o n s t ru ct ion a n d Ha l l D e c o r B I S HOP, Gi l l i a n E VAN S , Ro be rt L OPE Z, J o s e L U C AS , D e re k L U E QU I , M a ri s e PHI L L I P, D E N N I S S M I T H, Ha yd e n S T M ART I N , Pa u l TAY L OR, Va l e ri e Re c o rd i n g & M i x i n g E n g in eer D ON OWA, Vi c t o r Vi d e o g ra p h y AS AP EN T E RTAI N M EN T L IM ITE D AB D OOL , C h ri s t a n J OS E PH, C h ri s t i a n RAM PERS AD , M a rk S AN TAN A, C h a d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s & P u b l icit y AL EX AN D E R, N i c k i s h a B ET HE L M Y, J e a n - Pa u l D OWRI C H- PHI L L I P, L a u r a L E ON , S i m o n e T HOM AS , Av i o n

C o m m uni c ati o ns Consultant DA N I E L -LI N TON , Paula A r t wo r k & G raphi c Design C H A N DLER, Ayri d E d i t or ial Te am DO W R I CH-PHI LLI P, Laur a H I N E S , Carl-Antho ny N O E L , Astra T H O M AS, Av i o n P h ot og raphy M a r i a Nune s O w en Jam e s Fro nt o f Ho use C H A N A SHI N G, C hr istine C O O P E R-L EACH, Mar ielle DAV I D SON , Vale ri e FI S H E R , Ali c i a FI S H E R , Anale z e H O DG E , Se lm a H O DG E -CHR I ST I AN , Lyr is P E T E R S, Che ryl P E T E R S, Mi c he la P I E R R E, Phae dra TA R DI E U , J udy Ti c ke t s and Bo x Off ice A L L E N , G arne t R O B E RT S, D e nni s Q U E E N ’S HALL E qui pm e nt Transpor t B E A R D, Ale xande r John K N I GH TS, J o se ph P I E R R E, Antho ny

B o a rd o f D i re c t o rs B ROWN , L e a h D AVI D S ON , Va l e ri e F I S HER, Al i c i a F ROS T, S t e rl i n g HU GGI N S - WAT T S , Mich el l e J ON ES - M ORAL ES , J en n if er PI E RRE, Ph a e d ra S HEPHE RD , B e rn a rd S u p e rn u m e ra ry D i rect or POT T S , Gl e n i s S e c re t a ri a t M EN D E Z, K o ry WI L L I AM S , An t o n M a n a g e m e n t C o m mit t ee AL L EN , Ga rn e t B EARD , Al e x a n d e r J. B ET HE L M Y, J e a n - Pa u l C HAN A S HI N G, C h r is t in e HI N ES , C a rl - An t h o n y K N I GHT S , J o s e p h N OE L , As t ra ROB E RT S , D e n n i s WI L L I AM S , An t o n

AC K N OW LE DGE M E NTS T he Lydi ans re main deep ly gr atef ul to a w i d e a rra y o f d e d i c a t e d p e rs o n s a n d o rg a n i s a t ion s w h o have g e nerously contr ib uted over t h e y e a rs t o o u r p ro d u c t i o n s – Pro d u c t i o n d e s ig n a n d manag e m e nt, stage management and d i re c t i o n , s e t d e s i g n , p ro p s a n d s e t c o n s t ru c t i o n , s ou n d a n d li g hti ng design, war drob e, make-u p , c h o re o g ra p h y, d a n c e , u s h e ri n g , p ri n t i n g , p h ot og r a p hy, pe rc ussi o n and b r ass, sp onsor ship , re h e a rs a l a n d p e rfo rm a n c e v e n u e s , a d v e rt i s in g a n d me di a c o ve rag e.

For ‘ Se aso ns o f Steel’ in p ar ticular, we t h a n k …

F i rs t C i t i z e n s The N a ti o na l Ga s C o mpa n y o f Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a go • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alli so n Seep aul Ande s I ndustr y Limited Andy N e i l s Andre w Samlan Antho ny Pier re ASAP Enter tainment Blue Water s P roducts Limited C ano n R i char d Jacob C lai r C hunisingh C he rry-An n Rochf or d C hi nua Alleyne D e an R ays ide D e partm ent of Creative and Fe sti v al Ar ts, UWI St. A ugustine G i lli an Bi shop G i lli an C hevrotiere J e sse l Mu r r ay J o anne Pyle J udy D avis LOOP

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

M a rl e n e M o h a m m e d M e ri k a D u B o i s - F ra n c o i s M a rg a re t Ri c h a rd s N e k e s h a Al e x a n d e r N a ri ba Ro bi n s o n Pa n t h e o n S e rv i c e s Pa m e l a S a m p s o n Ro n a F re n c h Ra j e e v N a n d a l a l S a t a n a n d S h a rm a , Sheila Mc Intosh Tre l d o n T h o m p s o n T h e B o a rd o f t h e F i rs t C h u rc h o f C h ri s t S c i e n t i s t T h e M a n a g e m e n t o f S o u n d Fo rg e T h e M a n a g e m e n t a n d S t a ff o f Qu een ’s Ha l l T h e P.A.L .M . Fo u n d a t i o n T h e S i g n a t u re C o l l e c t i o n