Review: Bermuda Musical’s ‘Summer Showcase’

[Written by Dale Butler]

At a time when most students, teachers and schools are winding down, The Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society has its socks up and engines on fire with auditions, Karaoke Nights, Movie Nights etc and with an eye on youth talent, it’s “Summer Showcase” was a highlight for performers and family and friends who attended the Saturday, June 17th concert earmarked to support The BMDS Charitable Trust which is an amazing story by itself.

The concert was the brainchild of Music Teacher Lisa Maule, who also acted as Master of Ceremonies. Assisting her was Jenn Campbell from the Charitable Trust, who explained how all the proceeds from these student events are put towards bursaries which support young people students pursuing degrees in the Performing Art and related subjects.

The evening consisted of 10 well performed musical items that were NOT from the “Easy Playbook.” I commend the students and their teachers, who with the support of parents, gave us a polished night that was way more than most small communities could ever muster:

• Concertino in G Major O. 24 [3rd Movement] Oskar Reiding was performed by Bella Correia on violin with accompanist Andrea Hodson: [from the “Romantic” period was first published in 1904: great technique, phrasing and style from a confident Bella aged 11 who started playing at age 6. She rose to the challenge

• O for the Wings of a Dove by Felix Mendelssohn sung by Euan Forster [boy treble: aged 11] accompanied by Andrea Hodson. Voices like Euan’s might be plentiful in British choirs but are rarely heard in Bermuda. Euan took on the daunting task with confidence and has a bright career or hobby ahead of him. A joy to hear this rather than the usual hi-hop that is so common today

• Sonata in B Minor [1st Movement] by Franz Joseph Haydn [1774: harpsichord] performed on piano by Joy Yammine who entered very focused and immediately played a rather intense piece to the delight of everyone. Well done.

• Sonata No. 2 Rondeau. Allegro by Louis Drouet performed by flautist Abigaelle Champ who comes from a musical family was accompanied by Lisa Maule. Definitely another BMDS future festival performer who would have delighted James Galway and Bermudian Dr. Derek Tully and Lloyd Williams. Abigaelle began to play at age 7 and has already passed her Grade 5 ABRSM exam.

• Praeludium and Allegro by Fritz Kreisler was performed on Violin by Ava Gibson and accompanied by Kerry Haslam. This is one one of my favorite pieces which I became attached to when my oldest son also performed it. You have made it once you tackle this song a bright career is ahead of you in the community or professional ranks. Well done. She held the audience in the palm of her hand. Although interested in law I have no doubt she will continue to perform at university level and within the UCC law community.

• Neon Moon Brooks and Dunn – Late Night Conversations Moya van Niekerk performed by sisters Maya van Niekerk [vocals/guitar] and Iona van Niekerk [vocals]. They enjoy singing and song writing together, whilst accompanying themselves on guitar or keyboard. They were perfect together [harmony and guitar] and gave us lasting memories.

• Valse des Fleurs by Ernesto Kohler with Robin Selley and Sophia Sontag on flute with accompanist on piano Lisa Maule. Two more talented students.

• Blackbird The Beatles; Halleluia by Leonard Cohen and Touchtone Telephone by Lemon Demon were performed by an awesome trio: Raynar Abbott on piano, Lara Pitcher on violin and Kari Pitcher on guitar. Wow. what a challenged they completed with perfection. Yes. They nailed it. Absolutely beautiful.

• Winter Rain: an original written and performed by Isaac Moniz who started piano at age 5 and is also a bass player The composition started slowly then he lulled you you and you were totally captured until the end. a beautiful piece from a student who has a bright future ahead of himself

Just when I thought my plate was full the beautiful stage with a piano, drums and plants came to life with the Tiny Trebles: Freja Dzurus [Flute], Sophia Sontag [flute], Iona van Niekerk [clarinet], Ryan Wright [alto saxophone], Aunika Dzurus [drums] and Lisa Male [keys]. This was a perfect way to end a night filled with first class performances. Popular songs were avoided by and large as they concentrated on classical numbers and in the end songs by Carly Rae Jepsen, Van Morrison and The Backstreet Boys put more icing on the cake. Another great night from the Charitable Trust team highlighting youth. This is the making of the Bermuda Youth Festival that has the potential of growing locally to the point where international talent will not think twice about performing here. Ah to dream.

A personal comment from Dale Butler: This was a difficult show for me to review because I loved the music and tried not to write while they performed but off course you have to if you are doing a review. With so much youth talent on stage I can only use my mantra: “Blessed with talent. [If they continue they will be]….. Baptised with experiences and celebrated forever.” Dale Butler can be reached at daledbutler@gmail.com or 595-9841.

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