Christmas Calabash with The Lydians

As the story unfolds, the audience members will be invited to gather together in music as The Lydians sing joyfully of the birth of the Christ child. The concert will follow a creolised re-imagining of the journey of the Virgin Mary from the holy cradle to the river side - “with we calabash”, where a community will gather together in celebration to laugh, sing and have a ball in celebration of the Saviour’s arrival.

In “A Christmas Calabash” a selection from the salsa mass, the Missa Salsera by Rosado will return, along with a special Lydian Steel performance of the samba- themed Brazilian Sleigh Bells. The Bishop Anstey Junior School will also make a guest appearance to offer Christmas selections.

Original music composed and arranged for the full choir, soloists and ensembles will be premiered this year: “Ave Maria-Oye/Oh Mary” from Lydian Steel member and composer Astra Noel, a jazzy rendition of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” with “sun and calypso” instead of “snow and mistletoe” by eccentric jazz arranger, Mark Brewster, and an old-time calypso Christmas medley featuring songs of The Mighty Spoiler, Lord Kitchener and other comedic numbers arranged by folk and calypso arranger John Jacob. A tribute to the Lara Brothers in a parang medley will be also featured, along with excerpts from the works of Tchesnokoff, Handel and Bach, said a media release.

The concert is being supported by some exciting creative collaborators including Peter Minshall, who is delighted to have played one of the shepherds to this flock. Also Wendell Manwarren, noted creative director and performer with 3canal who will be directing The Lydians on stage; Gillian Bishop, designer and jeweller taking charge of set design; Claudette Edwards, stellar wardrobe mistress who keeps the choir looking great; Celia Wells, noted lighting designer and many others who support the effort to ensure that Lydians presents the highest quality performance.

The grand finale of the show, will sweep audiences into the traditional season favourites and standards along with the Hallelujah Chorus with tassa drums and a never-before-seen surprise ending, proclaiming the greatness of God.

Tickets are available at the Queen’s Hall Box Office (624- 4281 Ext1). For more info: 338-602 or 268- 9556, thelydiansingers@ yahoo.com