S.A.C.O. Musical Concert ‘Classical Mania’
The St. Augustine Chamber Orchestra (S.A.C.O.) recently held their grand musical concert ‘Classical Mania’ featuring the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic (TTYP) at the Queen’s Hall in Port of Spain on 22nd and 23rd August, 2009, before a large and appreciative audience. The concert was a culmination of a three week workshop held by SACO with assistance from teachers and musicians from Venezuela’s FESNOJIV (The State Foundation for National System of Youth Orchestras and Choirs) where over 250 young musicians ages 4-25 participated. The students were taught wind, brass, string and percussion instruments.
Musical director of S.A.C.O. Kenneth Listhrop
Performing under the musical directorship of Kenneth Listhrop, the musicians treated the large audience to an engaging evening of classical music that highlighted the blossoming younger talent as well as the musicianship of the advanced members of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic (TTYP). Among the musicians who graced the stage were children from Ezekiel Children’s Home in Preysal, Couva, the Ferndean Children’s Home in Point Fortin, and the Happy Home in La Brea.
Sameer Alladin directs the TTYP Junior Orchestra
The TTYP Junior Orchestra was the first on stage and their very youthful members, led by conductor Sameer Alladin, treated the audience to two renditions; Sarandol, L’Arlesienne Ste. No. 2 by Georges Bizet (1838-1875) and Can Can (from Opheus in the Underworld) by Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880). They were followed by the TTYP Intermediate Orchestra, also conducted by Sameer Alladin, who played Bacarolle (from Tales of Hoffman) by Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880) and The Great Gate of Kiev and Hopak by Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky (1839-1881).
David Elder Jr. conducts the Tobago group Glorious Sounds
Coming from Tobago to grace the concert stage was the group Glorious Sounds who represent the Tobago contingent of the TTYP. Led by conductor David Elder Jr., they played Spiritual Medley (arranged by Paul Curnow), Adagio by David Holsinger and First Suite in E Flat by Gustav Holst.
Members of the TTYP Advanced Orchestra, featuring musicians from Venezuela’s FESNOJIV
The final orchestra for the evening was the TTYP Advanced Orchestra which included several Venezuelan musicians. Under the expert guidance of Conductor Kenneth Listhrop they delighted the audience with their flowing renditions. They played Symphony No. 9 in E Minor “From the New World” by Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) and Light Cavalry Overture by Franz Von Suppe (1819-1895).
TTYP Advanced Orchestra double bass musicians
Within the concert, the various instruments including violins, cellos, flutes, double bass, clarinets, oboes, saxophones, trumpets, French horns and trombones harmonized as light breezy melodies were contrasted by occasional stormy moments of frenetic orchestral passages; there were slow relaxed movements and upbeat passages, moments that were fiery that climaxed in an energetic burst; all very much appreciated by the large audience.
TTYP Advanced Orchestra featuring the Euangelion Singers
Towards the end of the concert, the chorale group Euangelion Singers treated the audience to a Michael Jackson song in tribute to the recently departed pop star which was also well-enjoyed by patrons.
The public can expect more events featuring the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Philharmonic who practice twice weekly at the University School on Baker Street, St. Augustine.
TriniView.com Reporters
Event Date: August 22-23, 2009
Posted: September 10, 2009
St. Augustine Chamber Orchestra: Classical Mania in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=385927