Poised to embark on A Magic Christmas Voyage, singing in eight languages a selection of songs from lands around the world where Christmas is celebrated, the Lydians received an unexpected gift from one of those lands.
While learning the Kyrie, Gloria, Agnus Dei, and Sanctus of the fast-paced Missa Salsera, news came from Lydian Michael Zephyrine that Fr Anthony Rosado, the New York-based composer of the work, was keen to perform the mass on stage with the choir.
Fr Rosado will sing and play the piano to accompany the Lydians. He will be joined by virtuoso panman Len "Boogsie" Sharpe. Expect scintillating salsa, cha cha, and other Latin rhythms with a touch of calypso and jazz.
The programme also includes an Arabic chant, a Yoruba carol, a First Nations carol and a Chinese one, and Christmas songs in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Haitian creole, German, English, and Trini-flavoured parang Spanish.
A Magic Christmas Voyage runs from December 11-14 at Queen's Hall, St Ann's.Showtimes are Thursday and Friday 7.30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 6 pm.
Tickets are available from Signature 2000, the Normandie, St Ann's; La Tropicale Flower Shop, Patna Street, St James; Queen's Hall Box Office; and members of the Lydians.