Misa Cubana thrills at Queen’s Hall

President George Maxwell Richards and his wife, Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards, were special guests at the Lydian Singers, Lydian Steel and Desperadoes presentation of Misa Cubana for Christmas on November 9 at Queen’s Hall, Port-of-Spain.  They were joined by former prime minister Patrick Manning and his wife Hazel. Patrons got a taste of parang with Los Alumnos de San Juan and tassa, too. But the highlight was the splendid serving of music from Cuban musical legend Jose Maria Vitier. In his greetings, he said: “The thrill of hearing this music sung by the Lydians, and accompanied by this amazing steel orchestra allows us to contemplate this work against the much vaster landscape of our Caribbean culture.” Vitier’s paintings of the Blessed Virgin also decorated the foyer, served as a backdrop, and were beamed on screens during segments of the performance.