This weekend (13th - 16th December 2018), the Lydians will celebrate the greatest gifts given to the greatest King - Gold, Frankincense, Myrrh...and to that they add The Gift of Music - the most precious gift of all, the ability to perform it, a grace, an offering of goodwill and an action of love!
The Lydian Steel, founded in 1995 by former musical director Dr. Pat Bishop, through the national gift of the steelpan will present the nation, a rich musical feast for the senses.
The Lydian Steel Ensemble (2017), Queen's Hall
From the bitter cold gusty winds of Vivaldi’s Winter 3rd Movement, featuring resident, nonchalant crack-shot Fayola Granderson, to the triumphant and joyful strains of beloved Christmas carols; from mellow nostalgic ballads to the bouncing, driving pace of a Soca Parang
Medley arranged by Desperadoes Steel Orchestra's very own Kwesi Moore, patrons will bear witness to the versatility and exquisite sensitivity of playing of the group, which will offer something for everyone to enjoy.
"Arranging for Lydian Steel definitely feels natural to me especially with my playing in Despers and the deep connection former musical director, Dr Pat Bishop had with the Laventillian band," explained Moore.
Moore, a new arranger for steelpan on the scene, has a writing style that gives away that he is also a bass player in Despers. He got his first taste of arranging for Lydian Steel in July this year in preparation for the Lydians emancipation-themed concert, "Roots", where he eagerly wrote a medley of a few hits from multi-award-winning Calypsonian, The Mighty Sparrow.
"It's almost as if a full circle had been made,” said Moore. “My contribution to the Lydians this Christmas season, is yet another medley of some Local Christmas pieces, bringing "musical gifts" of ‘Homemade Wine’ and ‘Something Soyte’, among others."
"Kwesi has been like lightning in a bottle to us," gushed Lydian Steel Co-Captain, Astra Noel, a composer/arranger for both the Lydian Steel and Singers in her own right.
"Young, bright, multi-talented, 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," she enthused.
Musical Director Lorraine Granderson with the Lydian Steel Ensemble (2017), Queen's Hall
Moore is one of a few very prolific arrangers in the T&T steelpan community who have worked with the Lydian Steel over the years since the passing of former Musical Director, Dr. Pat Bishop. He is a great example of what the new emerging generation of Trinidadians has to offer in outlook and ability in music.
The Lydian Steel is a family. This is a concept they have always embraced among themselves and has been evolving constantly in its meaning to and exhibition by each member. For the ensemble, 2018 has been a real watershed year with respect to the sharing of individual gifts and contribution to the family.
The players are a group which has spent much time together in constant rehearsals and multiple performances without much rest, and at the Lydians Christmas presentation, 'The Gift' they showcase the synergy and depth of harmony achieved over the past twelve months.
With a musical programme meticulously crafted and prepared by Musical Director Lorraine Granderson, this Christmas, the Lydians wish to restore the spirits of the people after a challenging year. The Gift concert will take place from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th December at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday 16th December at 6:00 p.m. at the Queen's Hall Auditorium.
Opening night tickets (Thu 13th December) are TT$150 with all other nights (Fri 14th to Sun 16th December) at TT$200 general and TT$250 special reserve seating. Available at the Queen’s Hall Box Office: (624-1284 Ext 1). Discounts available for TTARP members and tertiary education students (with proof of I.D.) on Friday and Saturday shows only.
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