Concert at the Cathedral…Audience left waiting for ‘Austrian Laser Lights’

Aug 27, 2008 News

Scores of people gathered outside of St. George’s Cathedral on Sunday night in anticipation of the ‘Austrian Laser Lights’ display. However, the lights did not appear. Instead those gathered were treated to a culturally rich concert, featuring artistes from Montserrat, Guyana, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.
The National Steel Orchestra got the crowd into the Carifesta spirit with some familiar renditions. The newly formed pan ensemble is approximately two months old, yet despite this they treated those gathered to a stunning performance, and numerous persons in the crowd were seen moving in sync with the steel rhythms.
Following them were the Emerald Community Singers, hailing from Montserrat, who performed various pieces ranging from gospel to folk and calypso. The group had performed at the first Carifesta held here 36 years ago.

The National Steel Orchestra got the audience into the Carifesta spirit

The Carneiro Singers, a choir group, from Brazil made the air outside of the world renowned landmark resonate as they raised their voices in song.
Carifesta X marks the first time the Brazilian Choir is participating in the regional event.
Trinidadian Tahirah Osborne, who placed first place in seven different categories in a recent musical competition in Trinidad and Tobago, thrilled and captivated those gathered as she sang a range of Broadway tunes, and had the audience craving for more. As Osborne left the stage, the requests had the desired effect, as she returned to sing another song.
Another Trinidadian contribution to the concert saw a choir sing a variety of folk songs that kept the audience enticed.
Despite all of the exceptional performances, many of those gathered expressed their disappointment that the Austrian Laser Lights were not on display. As the show ended, the National Steel Orchestra played several more tunes, as the crowd gradually dispersed. (Rustom Seegopaul)