Noah Gray-Cabey, above at the piano and violinist Jessica Yap, below, perform during 'An Evening of Classical Elegance', last Sunday at the University of Technology, Papine, St. Andrew. - Contributed ON SUNDAY the New England Youth Chamber Ensemble (NEYCE) entertained an appreciative
audience at the University of Technology auditorium in Papine, St. Andrew, with a delightful performance of classical music.
The 30-member group, with an average age of 12 years, delivered a variety of musical pieces that left many in the audience clearly pleased. Items were taken from well-known composers such as Handel, Mozart, Bach, Hayden, Vivaldi and other less known but no less impressive composers such as Teleman.
The programme was divided into two segments.
The first featured composers from the Baroque period and the second segment embraced the Christmas season. Dr. Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse ably conducted the ensemble and gave useful introductions to the item to be performed.
Frideric Handel's Concerto Grosso First Movement opened the programme. The expertise with which the ensemble executed the piece and the audience's joyful reaction established the joyous mood that prevailed for the entire evening. In total, the musical fare ranged from soothingly low to magnificently high.
Two highlights of the event were the very gifted six-year-old Noah Gray-Cabey, who plays the piano, and the young Jamaican violinist Jessica Yap. Both gave the audience that 'something more' which helped to make the event even more memorable. This had little to do with the actual music being played even though this was done well, but more to do with the contrast presented by the small stature of the artistes and the gusto with which they played.
Yap accompanied the NEYCE on Vivaldi's Concerto in A minor (3rd Movement) and received roaring applause from a crowd that was absolutely pleased with her performance.
Noah, though, was the toast of the evening. As he sat around the piano, his frame barely visible, feet hovering above the ground, many vacated their seats to ensure that they captured the moment on film or for at least a closer glance of the adorable six-year-old.
His fingers danced over the keys and produced wonderful and joyous music. Nervousness seemed a foreign notion to the prodigious Noah and he obviously enjoyed himself immensely and he bowed, waved and smiled at the end of each piece.
At the end of the programme when both children were handed bouquets in appreciation for their efforts, Noah indicated that he wanted to address the audience. "I love coming to Jamaica to perform in order to raise money for the kids who do not have enough," he said eloquently. The audience applauded emphatically. Earlier they learnt that Noah gave up an invitation to Hollywood to come to Jamaica, reasoning that his head was telling him to go to Hollywood but his heart was telling him to come to Jamaica. He followed his heart.
The NEYCE was on its first overseas tour in Jamaica and their charity performances will benefit the Andrews Memorial Hospital and the Good Shepherd Foundation, which helps persons infected with AIDS.
'An Evening Of Classical Elegance' was, from start to finish, a worthwhile way to spend the Sunday evening.
The ensemble's next engagement will be in Montego Bay, where they will perform in aid of the Good Shepherd Foundation.
