It has become the highpoint of cultural and artistic expression in Antigua and Barbuda each year, the annual must-see concert presented by the world-renowned Kanneh-Masons, the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Inspire Choir.
The seventh instalment of the concert, ‘Playing to Inspire 7’ was staged at the St. John’s Pentecostal Church on Lauchland Benjamin Drive on Saturday night before a packed audience that included the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams, and Lady Williams, Culture Minister, Daryll Matthew among others.
It was a musical ‘tour de force’ with scintillating performances by ABYSO which has grown in leaps and bounds in terms of their growth as accomplished musicians and as an orchestra, to the Kanneh-Masons who bring to the performances each year a level of musical skill and accomplishment that is a sheer joy to experience.
This year, the special guest artist was Felix Klieser on horn, who was born without arms and who uses his toes to manipulate the instrument. It was an amazing experience to observe his playing with precision and skill. He was roundly applauded for his remarkable performance.
This year’s concert featured a performance from Antiguan-Canadian classical tenor, Leslie Nanton as well as the participation in the orchestra of seven musicians from Small Beginnings Music Project of Montserrat. Representatives from the Atlanta Music Project were also at the concert. They are exploring ways for exchange visits between them and ABYSO in the coming years.
UK High Commissioner, Karen-Mae Hill, a member of the ABYSO Board of Directors, calls the night’s proceedings ‘another off-the-chart’ concert when you think of the level at which ABYSO is now playing and the pieces they are tackling; this is not easy repertoire; that Rachmaninov, that Beethhoven, that’s advanced music and to see the children able to follow a conductor and play with such good timing, good inclination and good understanding…its nothing short of saying, “Wow! Our kids have talent,” she stated.
The orchestra performed under the direction of British conductor, Jonathan Bloxham. Junior ABYSO was conducted by Sophie Biddell while conducting understudy, Nakiya De-Freitas had a stint conducting a cello duet featuring Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Jonathan Bloxham. The host of the evening was Jamilla Kirwan.
