The Evolution of Pan, a production by Norvan Fullerton, opened the medium and large conventional bands final of the 50th National Panorama Competition presented by Pan Trinbago at the Grand Stand, Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, at 7.10 pm yesterday.
It consisted of short performances celebrating the traditional sound of Carnival by the Waso Folk Congo Drummers, Claxton Bay Tamboo Bamboo Band, and King's Row Retro Single Pan Band before an audience that replaced an earlier one that had viewed the Junior Carnival Parade in which pint-sized masqueraders strutted their stuff under the blazing sun before appreciative members of the public, on the way to the Savannah.
The National Anthem was played by Adrian Jaikeran on a digital pan app, after which president of Pan Trinbago Keith Diaz reminded that the Golden Jubilee of Panorama was dedicated to the memory of the late tuner/innovator Bertie Marshall, and commended all those who had made the steelpan instrument into what it is today.
"Pan Trinbago has noted with pride the contributions of various individuals over the years who have used their gifts to give the world a musical instrument of undeniably quality that is clearly identified with our twin-island State," he said.
Ten medium bands, vying for the $600,000 first prize, were scheduled to appear before the adjudication panel comprising Laurel M Broomes-Rogers, Lorna Conyette, Langford Madray, Martin Albino, Richard Pierre and Ronald Berridge. First to take the stage was Pan Elders Steel Orchestra of Carib Street, San Fernando playing a Duvonne Stewart arrangement of the Original DeFosto's (Winston Scarborough) We Come Out To Play on pans tuned by Junior Peters.
A similar number in the large bands category, playing for a $1 million first prize, would follow. Defending champion Neal and Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra was due to appear in sixth position to render a Leon "Smooth" Edwards arrangement of Clive Telemaque's Bounce and Drive.
