Sachin wins National String Festival

The two-day string music festival was hosted by the Court Street Chamber Orchestra in San Fernando under the musical direction of Swedish-born violinist Gunilla Tang Kai.

This year’s festival theme was “Positive Energy with Strings Attached.” Boodram, 16, a Form Five student and violinist with Court Street Chamber Orchestra, copped the challenge trophy in the 16-19 age group, ensembles division.

He was accompanied by Anup Maharaj on the tabla drums. Over 130 musicians from throughout the country participated in this year’s festival.

Only first-place winners received trophies and cash awards.

Second place winners received certificates of participation from adjudicators John Wineglass and Latoya Patterson.

Other winners were: Tyler Chamberlain, playing Vlatva - Smetana on cello; Mark Haynes – concerto – (double bass); Aamir Nabbie – My heart will go on (guitar). Under 9 winners were: Lisdra Anne Ramlal (cello) and Katelyn Lochan (violin). Winners in the 12 – 15 category were: Jemina Cyrus (violin), Neylan Cassim, Nerya Cassim, Nathaniel Cassim and Tyler Chamberlain (cello).

Rushworth Street Instrumental Ensemble won the large ensemble prize with a piece titled, “You are my hiding place.” Marina Gayah (violin) and Mawasi Warner (double bass), won in the adults category.

Three-time Emmy Awards winner Wineglass is from the United States and was the chief adjudicator and was also a special guest artiste.

Other guest performers were Eleanor Ryan and Simon Browne who are two music professors at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

In presenting the prizes, Wineglass, who conducted the theme music for the movie “Superman”, said: “Students today must not think about what they would become but engage in what they can do.