An evening of poetry and choral music
In 2019, the Lydian Singers mark their 40th anniversary of excellence in music as one of the foremost musical organisations in Trinidad and Tobago. Along with the Lydian Steel Ensemble, which celebrates 23 years of steelpan accompaniment and performing distinction, the group will host a diverse line-up of both musical and non-musical events over the year, organized to celebrate this incredible milestone.
The Abbey of Our Lady of Exile at Mount St. Benedict will once more be the backdrop of the Lydians annual concert series, ‘Lydians on the Mount’, this edition entitled, ‘O Rejoice!’
Through poetry and music, the choir and steel ensemble under the musical direction of Lorraine Granderson will take audiences on a Pilgrim’s journey through the life of Christ, to the foot of the cross and to the empty tomb, to the resounding celebration of his triumphant resurrection.
All around the world, the Easter season forms a large part of the bedrock of the Christian faith. On Sunday 28th April 2019 at 5:00 p.m., the Lydians will come together on the Mount singing multiple genres of music from composers such as Hogan, Bizet, Mascagi, DuBois and Handel to rejoice and celebrate the risen savior.
“The music programme for this concert highlights our mission as representatives of that hope of redemption,” confirmed Assistant Musical Director Carl-Anthony Hines who coordinated the musical selections of the concert. “We are bid, ‘O, rejoice’ that the Lord is arisen, he has conquered death and the grave!”
The Lydians and the monks at the Abbey have a long history of collaboration in their mutual mission of music ministry. The Lydians often include the location at the Mount as part of its annual pre-Christmas concert performances as well.
With this fundraising effort, the Lydians continue to offer community music ministry in support of the Abbey in its efforts to restore the holy site and continue its mission.
The concert will feature both quietly prayerful and fanfare choral works and will include special selections from soloists, small ensembles and the Lydian Steel.
Tickets for Lydians on the Mount – O Rejoice! are only TT$150 and are available from all Lydian members. For reservations please call: 268-9556/338- 6024 or e-mail info@thelydianstt.com.
ABOUT THE LYDIANS
The Lydians – one of the premier musical groups in Trinidad and Tobago, combines singers, steelpan players, African and Tassa drummers and treasured creative collaborators. Started in 1979 by Bishop Anstey High School Music Teacher, Joyce Spence, the Lydians began with mostly past pupils of the school and other invited members. In 1984, Miss Alma Pierre took direction of the choir and in 1987 Pat Bishop T.C., D.Litt Hon. agreed to take up the baton until her passing in 2011.
In 2017, the baton of Musical Director was passed to Ms. Lorraine Granderson who has over 30 years’ experience conducting, teaching and working with choirs, steelbands and in independent musical productions in Trinidad and Tobago. The Lydians now enter a new musical era in which the group intends to grow into an even more uplifting future, with the God-given gift of music and in service to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and, by extension, the world.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 