Tobago choir wows New York audiences

 

“We selected the top seven choirs in the world to honour this once-in -a-lifetime event, and Signal Hill was an automatic choice,” he said. He noted that the group’s participation contributed to greater cultural awareness and understanding among peoples of diverse backgrounds. “Our foundation is part of the UN Department of Public Information which uses culture to bring people together,” Sciarratta said. He identified religion, economics, and politics as polarising factors that “tear us apart,” and thanked Signal Hill for its new role as “peacemakers.” The Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago in New York, Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam echoed similar sentiments, referring to the musical group as a “harbinger of cultural unity.” She called the performers “part of the Tobago’s tradition of excellence, and the undisputed champions of folk, jazz, gospel and indigenous music.”  She also alluded to Dwight York and ANR Robinson—fellow Tobagonians—who she said had made an indelible contribution to the global stature of T&T.

 

In a brief address, musical director of the world-famous choir John Arnold touted the family-like bond shared by members of the choir. Signal Hill Alumni Choir, officially founded in 1982, and winner of many prestigious local and international accolades, including the Hummingbird Award in 1997, also performed at New York University’s Tishman Hall, The Avery Hall at Lincoln Center, and the UN General Assembly Hall, where a special stage was erected to accommodate what was described as a rare performance. The group was later celebrated on a cruise along the Hudson River. Thousands attended the weekend festival. • Dr Glenville Ashby is a New-York-based author and journalist. [email protected]