Lydians hosts Christmas in Chrome virtual concert

CHRISTMAS in TT is synonymous with music. Christmas in Chrome, The Lydians Singers’ virtual concert featuring Lydian Steel, will take place on December 12, on the choir’s YouTube channel, beginning at 7 pm.

Christmas in Chrome will put the spotlight on the talented musicians of the Lydian Steel as well as some of this country’s best voices. Musical director Carl-Anthony Hines said while it is simple to say that having a Christmas concert is traditional or a gift, for The Lydians it goes further.

“While both those things are certainly a part of it, they don't address it in enough detail. We do this for our audience and supporters, but also in the same measure we do it for ourselves, members and their families who need some infusion of art and possibilities for hope and connectivity in this time. Some of us getting to wear matching masks and haul instruments and make a joyful noise is an enormously appreciated bonus.”

Viewers can look forward to new arrangements and collaborations with pianist, arranger, composer, producer and educator Adan Hagley, a new kaiso/soca parang medley arranged by Lydian Steel and Desperadoes bassist Kwesi Moore, and the premiere of a new Christmas carol commissioned by the Lydians from young composer Michael Hudlin, written for a distanced quartet of pans, piano and voice.

Audiences can also look forward to the favourite I eh do Nutten Yet, an original composition from steel captain Astra Noel, sung by Korey Mendez, specially revamped for this year, a rhythmic instrumental arrangement from Hines for the steel ensemble and the Caribbean premiere of a tenor and classical guitar duet arranged by French musician R Stucky, performed by Edward Cumberbatch and accompanist Andrew Samlal.

Hines said audiences can look forward to the sheer variety of music to be presented.

“There is music to give a laugh, to tell stories of the season, to give a warm embrace, as well as pieces showing steel virtuosity, and some to just get up off the couch and have a little family dance off to. If we asking specifics of what they’ll enjoy, then specifically everything.”

Hines was appointed The Lydians musical director effective October 1. He has been an active member of The Lydians since 2014 and took charge of the choir in 2016 as guest conductor and rehearsal master on a full-time volunteer basis. He was appointed as assistant musical director from July 2017 to July 2019 and subsequently served as interim musical lead.

Since 2014 Hines has been a contributing writer for the programmes of the major works of The Lydians. In 2019, he submitted an article precis of the musical history of the Lydians repertoire and how it was shaped by the tastes of the previous musical directors. For the First Citizens country-wide 25th anniversary celebrations in 2018, he was on the production team of the Trinidad leg as the musical co-ordinator/composer.

While viewing is free, viewers can support The Lydians by contributing to their donation wall at FundMeTnT (international and local), and/or via a direct deposit to its Republic Bank account #560407555801 in the name of The Lydian Singers.