The University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) Academy for the Performing Arts (APA) recently hosted the Karlsruhe Concert Duo for a concert and masterclass. The duo was brought to Trinidad and Tobago by the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to celebrate sixty years of German - Trinbagonian relations.

Assistant Professor  of Music, Simon Browne, joined the duo to create a trio for two pieces at the concert which was enjoyed by an invited audience including UTT President Professor Prakash Persad; the Ambassadors of Germany, France and Japan; Speaker of the House The Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, Minister of Foreign Affairs and CARICOM Affairs, Dr. Amery Browne, and UTT faculty, alumni and students.

The audience was treated to a wide variety of music that included German giants of the western classical music canon, Beethoven and Schumann, a lively trio from Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, and finished with a Spanish dance by Manuel de Falla.

UTT also added to the programme artwork with a logo celebrating the 60-year anniversary, designed by student Tia Johnson.

During their week at APA, the duo gave masterclasses in piano and cello performance to UTT students, alumni and enthusiastic young musicians. They also visited Fatima College for a class and performance, organised by Fatima music teacher and APA alumnus, Akil Patrick.

Overall, this was an inspiring week of music making at The Academy for the Performing Arts, showing that music is indeed an international language that builds bridges and relationships to enrich all our lives. APA thanks the German Embassy for its support in bringing this series of events to fruition.