The Lydians
My blogs
| Industry | Arts |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Entertainment |
| Location | Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago |
| Introduction | The Lydian Singers was founded by Joyce Spence who, after completing studies in music in Canada, returned to Trinidad to teach music at her alma mater Bishop Anstey High School Mrs. Spence's ill-health forced the group into a two-year hiatus. In 1985, under the direction of Alma Pierre and Gillian Ballinthulo, the group was revived. In 1987, the Lydians swept through the Music Festival under the direction of Pat Bishop, herself an old Bishop's girl. Under her direction the choir's repertoire became one of the most diverse and challenging to be found in Trinidad and Tobago, and they also continued to dominate the Music Festival. With Indian and African drums, an orchestra of keyboards and a 15-member steelband, the choir has staged three operas since 1995. In 1991 the choir was awarded the Hummingbird Medal - Gold, for loyal and devoted service in the sphere of singing. They also shared with the Love Movement, the 1997 Express Individual of the Year Award for Community Service. In 2000 they walked away with two Cacique Awards for Best Costume Design and Most Outstanding Musical Director, for their 1999 production of Turandot. |
| Interests | Music in all genres, Dance, Steel Pan, Spoken Word, Performing |
| Favorite music | Classical, Spirituals, Folk, Calypso, Broadway, Soca (and many more!) |