The St Augustine Chamber Orchestra (SACO) celebrates ten glorious years of music, education and performance in T&T with a concert titled "Never Can Say Goodbye"-a tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson on December 11 and 12.
The dress code for the event is black and white or Michael Jackson outfits. Set to thrill attendees, the concert, which includes the T&T Youth Philharmonic(TTYP), is the culmination of its anniversary celebrations. SACO/TTYP will be the first local symphony orchestra to perform at the National Academy for the Performing Arts. Also, the harmonious Euangelion Singers and band will feature at the event.
A non-profit organisation dedicated to excellence among T&T youth, SACO was founded by Kenneth Listhrop, a music educator and conductor, in 1999. SACO has grown into a formidable group of approximately 200 young people. In fact, last September two of SACO's students-violinist Alyssa Cross, and cellist Wasia Ward represented T&T in Venezuela, as they celebrated 40 years of the world acclaimed "El Systema" orchestral tradition.
SACO comprises three major divisions (from ages five to 24), which include a children's orchestra, junior and intermediate orchestra, and an advanced youth orchestra, the largest in the Caribbean.It is continuing its strides with a vision for a semi-professional adult orchestra in the near future.
While SACO's initial focus was on the development of excellence in the playing of strings such as the cello and double bass, the organisation has diversified its orchestra.
SACO has included woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, with the objective of forming a full symphonic orchestra and ultimately an adult orchestra. SACO is about more than performing and has been engaged in a weekly community outreach music programme for 20 children in orphanages in central and south Trinidad.
The programme which started in 2009 involves students from the Ezekiel Home, Ferndean's Place Children Home, and the Happy Home.Listhrop said, the SACO environment helps to set the stage for children's social and interpersonal skills development."It also promotes a positive self-image among the children of the home through the learning, playing and performing of orchestral music," he said.
FOR TICKETS
Limited Tickets available. Cost $100. Available at NAPA's Box office: Mon-Fri 12 noon-6 pm. Saturday December 5 from 11 am-4 pm. December 11, 12-from 11 am to intermission. Musical Moments, 137 EMR, St Augustine (645-1725, 469-3681), 676-8603, 681-3179, 645-3383, 751-6297. Quality Stationery Supplies, St Augustine, (Behind Hi Lo Supermarket) 645-9882. RIK Bookstore, 104 High Street, San Fernando 652-4824. RIK Bookstore, Gulf City Mall, La Romaine 653-9892, and from members of the orchestra.