Marionettes Chorale to put on Hallelujah

BPTT Marionettes Chorale returns to Queen’s Hall, St Ann's on December 3 and 4 for its Christmas concert Hallelujah.

For the first time since its Yuletide performance some three years ago, the choir will stage a spectacular production that evokes a sense of rejoicing and thanksgiving for being able to gather and celebrate once again with its loyal audiences, a media release said.

Established since 1963, the Marionettes has maintained the tradition of hosting a festive year-end concert. Led by artistic and musical director Gretta Taylor, Hallelujah will feature musical direction by an exciting multi-generational team – Dr Roger Henry, Caryll Warner, Khadija Huggins and Joshua Joseph, the release said.

For the two nights – and for a special matinee performance for care homes – the chorale promises a musical and visual feast, exploring classical and traditional pieces, along with contemporary local and international seasonal favourites.

Some of the concert’s selections include Beethoven’s Hallelujah (from Mount of Olives), Carol of the Bells (arranged by Wilhousky), Heal Our Land (adapted by Taylor), Oh Holy Night and local compositions such as Bring Back the Old Time Days by Richard Nappy Mayers, Anda Parrandero (Los Tocadores) and Din, Din, Din (traditional). The latter three pieces were arranged by Desmond Waithe who passed away earlier this year.

Throughout his more than 40-year association with the Marionettes, Waithe, a well-loved and respected composer and educator, arranged most of the indigenous calypso and folk music performed by the choir. Marionettes will now continue in the tradition of presenting his timeless works for choral ensembles, the release said.

Hallelujah will feature some of the adult choir’s well-known soloists including soprano Hermina Charles, altos Giselle Clarke and Debra Nahous, and tenors Jake Salloum and David Morales. Among the featured youth choir voices are Janziye Mc Vorran, Che-Nathaniel Knights, Amelia Gaewan and Chaya Vincent.

Showtime is 7 pm December 3, and and 5 pm on December 4. Tickets cost $200-$300 and are available from members and at Queen’s Hall box office.

For more info: marionetteschorale.com, Facebook, or 790-1751.

The choir, which is sponsored by BPTT, Flow, and TTT, also gives financial and in-kind support to local charities and causes across Trinidad and Tobago, the release said.