Fresh off their acclaimed December season, the Marionettes Chorale returns with Rejoice II, their first full concert series of 2025. From July 4th – 6th , audiences across Maraval, Arouca and Malabar will experience the power of live choral music, as the Chorale takes its mid-year tradition of community concerts on the road.
The adult and youth choirs will perform a vibrant mix of classical music, spirituals, gospel and pop hits. Audiences can expect the same emotional depth and artistic excellence that made their Christmas performances unforgettable — from Hermina Charles’ soul-stirring, I Want Jesus to Walk with Me to the Youth Chorale’s energetic medleys and the moving ensemble delivery of Prayer of the Children.
Guest conductor, Dr. Nathan Nagir, a proud Trinidadian, based in the US, joins the series for the first time, bringing fresh insight and passion to the programme. A faculty member at Texas State University’s School of Music, Dr. Nagir described the invitation as “an honour” and expressed gratitude to Artistic Director Gretta Taylor, “for the space she continues to create for meaningful music-making”.
Dr. Nagir opens with Gwyneth Walker’s reimagining of the 19th-century hymn, How Can I Keep From Singing. “Despite its origins, the message of this piece transcends denomination and tradition – it is about singing in community, singing through hardship and singing with hope,” he said. His selections also include Dan Forrest’s O God Beyond All Praising, built on Holst’s majestic Thaxted melody – the lyrical theme from “Jupiter”, a movement in Gustav Holst’s The Planets. “It captures the grandeur of worship and the awe we experience in beauty… a powerful expression of praise that aligns beautifully with the concert’s title.”
Other featured works include, Stephen Paulus’ The Road Home, Nathan Hofheins’ How Great Thou Art and Richard Smallwood’s gospel anthem, Total Praise, arranged by Barrett & Rao. “These pieces are invitations – to reflect, to praise, to rejoice,” said Dr Nagir. “I hope that audiences will leave feeling uplifted, reminded of the strength and unity that music can inspire.”
Rejoice II features some of the Chorale’s best-loved soloists, the Marionettes Youth Chorale and emerging talent, under the direction of Gretta Taylor, Caryll Warner, Joshua Joseph and Dr Nagir.
Performances take place on:
Friday 4th July, 7:00pm – Church of the Assumption, Maraval
Saturday 5th July, 7:00pm – Arouca Revival Tabernacle
Sunday 6th July, 5:00pm – Church of the Holy Spirit, Malabar
All tickets are $200. Proceeds from the Arouca and Malabar concerts will benefit the respective churches.
For tickets, contact 790-1751, email orders@marionetteschorale.com, or reach out to the venues or any choir member. Tickets for Arouca are also available from ART (270-6973) and David (785-1121). Tickets for Malabar are available from the Church of the Holy Spirit parish office at 241-2715 or 277-0734.
The series is supported by Flow (Columbus Communications), One Caribbean Media Ltd.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 