Author: Adam Walters

Members of UTT Ibis Ensemble - Simon Browne (violin), Aidan Chamberlain (trombone), Mia Gormandy (steelpan), Caitlyn Kamminga (double bass) and Adam Walters (horn) – recently travelled to the U.S.A. for performances alongside University of Delaware (UD) music faculty performers Chris Nichols (clarinet), Eileen Grycky (flute) and Noel Archambeault (Narration).  The resulting international ensemble was joined in concerts of music from Trinidad with vocal soloist Krisson Joseph and under the direction of conductor and Director of UTT’s Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) Kwamé Ryan.  The tour was hosted by UD's dynamic Associate Professor of Music and head of percussion, Harvey Price.

The concerts showcased two major research projects by UTT faculty members: Simon Browne's transcriptions of old-time calypsoes - as rendered by the ever-charismatic Krisson Joseph - were enthusiastically received by the audience in UD's Gore Hall in Newark, while River of Freedom - the story of Trinidad's Merikin community, with libretto by Caitlyn Kamminga and music by Adam Walters - found favour with large crowds in Newark and at the atmospheric Clef Club in Philadelphia. In an impromptu Q&A session after the Philadelphia performance, Mia Gormandy revealed that she is herself a descendant of the Merikins, a connection that gives extra significance to her involvement in River of Freedom.

In addition to their performances, the UTT visitors led masterclasses, rehearsals and classes at UD during which students learned about Trinidad's steelpan and calypso traditions and received tuition in violin, trombone, double bass and composition.

This was the second phase of an ongoing collaboration between UTT and UD following a well-received performance of River of Freedom at APA in January. The project has been such a success that further international performances are already in planning.

APA would like to extend its thanks to UTT's Caitlyn Kamminga and UD's Harvey Price for organising and facilitating this tour.

Aidan Chamberlain rehearses UD trombonists

Vocal soloist Krisson Joseph

Caitlyn Kamminga teaches UD double bass student

Mia Gormandy and Krisson Joseph discuss pan and calypso with a UD music class

River of Freedom with original artwork by Trinidad's Che Lovelace

The combined UTT and UD ensemble at UD's Gore Recital Hall
(L to R - Back) Mia Gormandy, Caitlyn Kamminga, Harvey Price, Chris Nichols, Eileen Grycky, Noel Archambault, (L to R - Front) Adam Walters, Aidan Chamberlain, Simon Browne, Krisson Joseph, Kwamé Ryan

Collaborative Calypsoes with (L to R) Krisson Joseph, Harvey Price, Aidan Chamberlain and Chris Nichols