Harold Woodruffe in concert next Sunday

Harold Woodroffe began choral and solo performing in 1960 in the Dominic Savio Choir under the guidance of Fr T Corcoran, and entered the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival for the first time in 1963. He next sang in the choir at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, under the direction of Myrtle Sammy.

In the 19705 and early 19805, he was a member of the Orpheus Choir, during which time he took a leading role in a performance of the Gilbert and Sullivan operatta ‘The Gondoliers’ along with Elizabeth Stoute, Fr Patrick Brennan, and Marilyn Lalla. Orpheus Choir was one of the few rated ‘X-class’ for purposes of the Music Festival, and won many regional first place certificates, and championship trophies.

Harold and Richard French, the leader of the Orpheus Choir, won many first and second place certificates for Male Vocal
Duet class over the years, until Richard and his family returned to England. Harold also competed very successfully in the tenor and baritone classes of the Music Festival, on the championship level representing his region, the Southland.

In the mid-1980s, Harold was accepted as a student by Joslynne Sealey, a leading performer and vocal coach, and continued his vocal development. He sang with the Trebles’ senior choir and competed additionally in the Mixed Duet class with Marilyn Lalla, the leader of the Trebles. With Lalla they went on to win the championship for the Duet class, singing the well-known aria ‘Panis Angelicus’.

He went on to Win the championship for Best Male Vocal Soloist on a few occasions, and is also the holder of the Veterans Championship trophy for the past five festivals. He has won the championship trophy for Best  Tenor in the Music Festival, and has represented South in that championship class at the last festival.

The selections for the concert are taken from Harold’s extensive repertoire over the years. Patrons will hear Tschaikowsky’s ‘None but the Lonely Heart’ which he sang in the Music Festival many years ago, gaining first place in the Adult Baritone Solo class under the discerning ear of Adjudicator Olive Lewin.

Also included in the evening’s programme are beautiful operatic arias, well-known art songs, as well as back-in—time favourites from Franz LehaI such as ‘Velia’ and ‘Merry Widow Waltz’.

The concert promises to be an enjoyable evening. Harold will be  accompanied by Rowena Wattley, Chairman of Trinidad Music Festival (South), and longstanding family friend.

The recital will be at the Presentation College Auditorium, San Fernando at 6 pm. on Sunday, May 5. Tickets are $150 and are available at the College, at parish offices of Pointe-s‘t-Pierre, Mon Repos, La Romaine and San Fernando, and by calling 680-3901.