The residence of President Christine Kangaloo was awash with the soothing sounds of our national instrument as the first ‘Steelpan Royale: An Evening of Elegance’ was held on Wednesday.
As she welcomed dozens of guests to President’s House, President Kangaloo shared the purpose behind the concert.
“The idea behind this evening’s event is to showcase the versatility of the national instrument and in particular, its ability to command any stage anywhere in the world. We are all completely, and quite rightly, besotted with the familiar stages which the steelpan graces every year. The electrifying Panorama stage, for example, and the incredibly artistic and life giving stage that is the pan yard.”
President Kangaloo noted that during her presidency the residence had been opened up to showcase the national instrument before on many occasions.
“Tonight’s concert showcases the steelpan on a different stage, a formal stage. The hope is that we will recognise and remember that there is no stage and no forum that the steelpan cannot conquer. And that there is no place in the world in which the steelpan cannot feel completely at home.”
She said both she and her husband were delighted that the national instrument has a home at President’s House.
“There can be no more fitting place for citizens to gather than the seat of the highest office in the land to pay tribute to the strength and versatility of the steelpan and to the men and the women who dedicate their lives to its advancement.”
The concert featured performances from steelpan legend Dr. Ray Holman, Hummingbird Medal Gold recipient Dr. Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, along with Natasha Joseph, Dr. Edward Cumberbatch, Dr. Pelham Goddard and Friends, and the Lydian Singers.