The National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) says this year’s Jazz Fusion production represents more than just another concert on the calendar.
The event returns for its sixth edition on May 31st, bringing together the National Steel Symphony Orchestra, the National Philharmonic Orchestra, and several local performers.
During the event’s official launch on Monday, organisers also used the occasion to highlight what they described as a renewed direction for the institution.
Artistic Director of the National Steel Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Mia Gormandy-Benjamin, said the production is intended to reflect both local identity and wider Caribbean influence.
“This jazz festival is a celebration of how we reflect on jazz. So not only are we looking at our local influences here in Trinidad and Tobago, but we also have the approach of looking at a Caribbean influence where we will share styles of music from our Caribbean brothers and sisters.”
The launch also focused on NAPA’s wider transformation under its newly appointed board.
NAPA Chairman Kenny Phillips pointed to upgrades at the facility, expanded use of its spaces, and plans aimed at strengthening its role within the region’s entertainment industry.
“At NAPA, we are not just simply producing events. We are building a world-class cultural institution that positions Trinidad and Tobago as a leading creative and entertainment destination in the Caribbean region.”
The festival’s organisers have also secured TTT Limited as the official media partner for this year’s production.
Chairman of TTT Limited, Michael T. Kerr, said collaborations of this kind are important in supporting the country’s creative sector and expanding the reach of local cultural productions.
“The creative industries remain an important pillar of national development, and partnerships such as these are essential in supporting and sustaining our cultural sector. TTT is, therefore, honoured to contribute to the visibility and national impact of this important production.”
Government officials say the event also reflects a broader push to modernise cultural institutions and encourage stronger public engagement with the arts.
Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, said cultural spaces must continue evolving alongside the audiences they serve.
“Culture must evolve, and that is the mandate I give to all my boards. Our institutions must evolve, and more importantly so, the ways in which we engage audiences, communicate value and create memorable cultural experiences must also evolve.”
Organisers are promising an evening centred on Caribbean jazz, orchestral collaboration, and the continued evolution of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural identity.