BP Marionettes Chorale returns to the Queen’s Hall stage on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday 4 for their Christmas concert titled ‘Hallelujah!’.
Since their last holiday performance some three years ago, the choir’s chosen theme this year evokes a sense of rejoicing and thanksgiving for the opportunity to gather and celebrate with their loyal audiences through music and song once again.
For nearly 60 years, Marionettes has maintained the much-anticipated tradition of hosting a spectacular year-end concert.
Led by Artistic and Musical Director Gretta Taylor, this year’s ‘Hallelujah’ will feature musical direction by an exciting multi-generational team in Dr Roger Henry, Caryll Warner, Khadija Huggins, and Joshua Joseph.
For the two nights in December—and for their special matinee performance for care homes—concertgoers will be able to partake of a musical and visual feast through a carefully selected repertoire exploring classical and traditional pieces, along with contemporary, local and international seasonal favourites.
Some of this year’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 incomparable Desmond Waithe, who, sadly, passed away earlier this year, arranged the latter three pieces. Throughout his more than 40-year association with the Marionettes, Waithe, a respected and well-loved 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 arrangements for choral ensembles.
During the pandemic-related restrictions on public gatherings, which inevitably affected live performances, the award-winning choir took to social media to upload a host of freshly re-mastered content and virtually recorded concerts.
The Christmas editions were particularly significant and engaging, given the fact that the choir tailored the selections specifically to their fans’ preferences after reviewing their valuable feedback.
This only serves to demonstrate just how much Marionettes values its extensive fan base and remains committed to recreating the very essence of community, joy, giving and sharing through their music, regardless of the circumstances that may arise.
The choir also remains fully dedicated to the financial and in-kind support of a range of local charities and causes across Trinidad and Tobago.
This year’s ‘Hallelujah’ will feature some of the adult choir’s well-known soloists, including soprano singer 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.
Proudly sponsored by BP, Flow, and TTT ‘Hallelujah’ proposes to evoke the holiday warmth and cheer of family and friends, cradled in the music that keeps fans and well-wishers coming back year after year for more!
Christmas with the Marionettes: Hallelujah takes place on Saturday, December 3, and Sunday 4 at Queen’s Hall. Show time on Saturday is 7 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Marionettes invites all patrons and music lovers to secure their tickets early for this must attend event. Tickets range from $200 – $300 and are on sale from members and at Queen’s Hall Box Office. For reservations, visit marionetteschorale.com or find Marionettes on Facebook, or call 790-1751.