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Mirror Magazine

Calypso, pop and jazz from BT Melodians
To hear a pan playing Tchaikovsky may sound incredible but that is exactly what the BT Melodians Steel Orchestra do. Since their inception in 1987 the Orchestra has been presenting on pans, a wide repertoire of music including classical, modern, calypso, pop and jazz with frequent performances in UK and Europe, for distinguished audiences including the British Royal family.

Their music originated in Trinidad almost 50 years ago as a Caribbean folk tradition. In an island where people were seeking ways of producing unique and exciting sounds, experiments were made with materials on hand. The Trinidadians were not slow to take advantage of the fuel containers abandoned by the American forces at the end of the Second World War. These oil drums were perfect material for shaping notes, the process of which has become increasingly sophisticated.

A full set of pans that are mounted on frames, considered the world's youngest acoustic instrument, can produce the same range of notes as a traditional symphony orchestra, an art the BT Melodians have perfected. The award winning BT Melodians Steel Orchestra also provides opportunities for young people from varied social and racial backgrounds to develop musical skills and techniques.

The group led by Terry Noel will perform at the BMICH on June 25 from 7.00 to 10.00 p.m. Sponsored by the Airport Garden Hotel and Sri Lankan Airlines, the entire proceeds will be in aid of the 'Hope Project' of the Children's Cancer Hospital.

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