Raymond’s ‘Love Philosophy’ conquers Queen’s Hall

SUBSTITUTING his news script to recite the lyrics of Roger Quilter’s “Love Philosophy,” television anchor/journalist and singer Raymond Edwards left no doubt in the minds of patrons about who had won Class 48a — Tenor Solo at Saturday night’s 26th biennal Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s. Edwards, who appeared in position number 14 from a full cast of tenors, filled the hall of the country’s top performing venue with his gigantic voice to beat out the competition. The piece, “Love Philosophy,” which was chosen as the test piece for contestants in the tenor class, is based on the composer Roger Quilter, begging for a kiss.

But it seemed Edwards’ ability to beg, projected best as he sang the lyrics: “The fountain mingles with the river and the rivers with the oceans. The winds of heaven mix forever with a sweet emotion. And the sunlight clasps the earth and the moon beam kisses the seas, what is all this kissing worth if thou kiss not me.” From all appearances, the earlier advice offered by American adjudicator Dr Douglas Miller, for singers to know the venue where they intend to perform, in an effort to help project their voices better, worked to the benefit of Edwards. Edwards clearly knew his venue and everyone present could hear his articulation of the lyrics. The audience seemed overwhelmed by his rich tone and vocal contrast. There were few performances that came close to Edwards. Richard Rogers of the Lydian Singers and Kendell Reid were among the singers posing this challenge. Saturday night’s music festival programme featured hard-hitting and diverse performances from the opening round in Class 71a — Religious Music Mixed Voice Choirs for groups comprising 20 singers and under.

Two choirs took part in this category. They were the Port-of-Spain City Corporation Chorale and the St Anthony’s Senior Folk Choir, both doing the test pieces “No Man Is An Island,” by J Whitney and Alex Kramer “The Christmas Child.” In the end, the latter choir under the direction of Anthony Woodroffe got the judges’ nod for a place in the championship round. Staying with the choirs, patrons at Queen’s Hall got their first taste of the popular Calypso Chorale, with choreography, in class 75b where contestants were required to do a two-song repertoire. The lone competitor in this category was the Prizkell Folks, a combination of Prizgar Lands and Kelly Village in Laventille, serving up spirited renditions of Shurwayne Winchester’s Road March “Look de band coming,” and Shadow’s “Dingolay.” Under the direction of John Jacobs, Prizkell Folks entertained the audience with its exciting dance routines and tuneful singing. The veteran’s class, the second of six new categories introduced in this year’s festival was featured on the evening’s showcase and added to the musical treat.

Four participants, with the freedom to choose the music, took part, but it was Franz Lehar’s “You Are My Heart’s Delight,” performed by festival regular Philip Seesahai, that gave adjudicator Dr Miller the greatest joy. The Nimblett sisters Lisha, Kera and Aneka blended their voices well to capture Class 66 — Family Class for their interpretation of “Joshua fit the battle of Jehrico,” while The Entertainers, using a mix of string, woodwind and percussion instruments from Senegal and India changed the musical texture of the show with its performance of a South African folk song called “Khoeli” (The Moon). Class 58 - Male Vocal Duet, saw Dirk Govia and Richard Rogers of  Lydian Singers walk away with the first place prize, doing the test piece “Sound The Trumpet,” from Handel.