Congratulations to Invaders Steel Orchestra and Organizers for a concert well done

[Ian Franklin]

We the audience at NAPA were treated to a masterful musical journey from Invaders Steel Orchestra, on August 22nd, 2013. The concert commenced at 7:37 pm, a mere 7 minutes over the scheduled time, with the playing of our National Anthem.  

Invaders opened their repertoire with "The 5th Symphony" which was masterfully performed under the baton of their musical director/arranger Mr. Arddin Herbert. 

There were 7 guest artistes, and they were all backed up musically by Invaders. The Invaders Youth Steel Orchestra, which was formed in 2012, also performed awing us with "The Hungarian Dances," which was conducted by their musical director MS. Joanna Short.

Arddin Herbert displayed his dexterity as a pannist on both the tenor and double second performing  "Summertime" accompanied by a double guitar, 6-bass and a double second played by my cousin Ms. Atiya O'neil, and a Classical piece listed as Czardas. I state listed as, because that was not the melody of the Czardas I am familiar with. However, both were beautifully executed.  The name of this concert was entitled, "VERSATILITY"  and that title personified the concert. 

Invaders' repertoire were all arranged by Mr. Herbert which included "The Zampa Overture" plus 13 other well performed ballads. Invaders' Versatility Concert was well organized.

I must say that I did not see the support from the major Steel Orchestras except one.

[Andre-Roger Dellevi]

Also wish I was there to attend the concert in-person, one day soon I hope.  Are there any videos, dvd or cd for sale?  Outside of Panorama, we need more of these events to showcase the versatility of the Steelpan in other musical art forms.  I grew up in a time when we were exposed to all kinds of music on radio and in live perforance, even though I had my particilar preferences. But the musicians I knew had eclectic tastes which showed up in the variety of music they learnt and performed.  So VERSATILITY in music and for panist musicians can only be a good thing.  Char, note, while PhaseII is my steelband, Invaders should have won in 2011, ent... https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2wSZbT_iG5Y

[Merle Albino-de Coteau]

 Hats off to Invaders Steel Orchestra for an entirely enjoyable evening of music which was well executed. It was a  well balanced programme with a nice mix of guest artistes. Mr. Arddin Herbert,Music Director / Conductor did a magnificent job with the orchestra and also displayed his versatility. Ms. Joanna Short Music Director/ Conductor of the Junior Band must also be complemented. The professional manner of the M. C. Mr. Richard Pierre, added to the splendour of the evening. Congratulations to all.

[Ian Franklin]

@ Brenda good points. All Steel Orchestras should support each other's concert. We seem to be stuck with a mantra: "My Band is not there, so I am not going." We must  also network with each other, to avoid concerts on the same date. 

@ Invaders, I do hope that a DVD is being produced, so your performance can be archived.

[Cecil hinkson]

Forget about the old timers, what about the young and not so young?

[Char Burgess]

Congrats to Invaders.....my band.  We were one of the first pioneers of the pan and are still in the forefront of Port of Spain bands.  I'm so sorry that I wasn't there to hear it.  Maybe there will be a CD later on???  Now all we have to do is win Panorama from the big 3.  That will come....

[Lennox Borel]

Indeed an excellent concert. I was there and I was very impressed. Arddin Herbert is indeed the quintessential musician, and the band and other performers were indeed multi-talented. Never mind the lack of support or presence of other major Steel Orchestras. It was Invaders' Show, not Panorama.