The Classical Best Of Youth XI: Master Class, was a mastery of musicality and expression of our country’s commitment to excellence.
Under the baton of Joy Knight, the Frank Collymore Hall was once again filled with outstanding performances by the Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra and guest performers recently.
It was the 11th such production of the Rotary Club of Barbados South and its winning collaboration with the orchestra.
The hearts of the audience were buoyed by the performance of the juniors, Barbados Junior Orchestra and three talented young violinists, Arturo Tappin Jr, Naela Nurse and Kady Currency, assuring the audience that the future of music is indeed merry and bright.
The concert paid tribute to musical masters David Weatherhead, a former conductor of the Barbados National Youth Orchestra and Marilyn Smith who vividly demonstrated why they were bestowed these titles through their outstanding performances.
Weatherhead, on the clarinet, performed an effortless rendition of Concertino in E-flat major for clarinet and orchestra, dedicated to Melanie Watts, former first violinist of the orchestra, who tragically lost her life in 2021.
Smith closed out the first half with Piano Concerto No. 3, Beethoven, leaving the audience wanting more.
The vocal performances of young orchestra graduate, Abianna Fenty, aptly described as “a shining star”, were hauntingly beautiful as she rendered O Come Emanuel and African Holy Night, much to the pleasure of the audience which included Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Alwyn Jordan, representing the club’s patron Governor Kevin Greenidge, and Novaline Brewster, director, communications, information and outreach.
The crowning glory of the night however was the symphony orchestra themselves. Whether it was the classical pieces of Beethoven, Tritsch-Tratscha-Polka or Caribbiana, a tribute to Irving Burgie, the musicians were well rehearsed and thrilled all listeners. The audience sing-along added a heavenly choral aspect to the musical extravaganza.
President elect of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, Jacklyn Broomes, said as she addressed the audience: “We are gathered not only to enjoy the exceptional talent of our youth, but to also celebrate the transformative power of music and education in our communities.” (PR)
