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The UTT RAPturous Voices Chorale will be presenting its Delightful Melodies 2 Concert on November 9 and 10 at Queen’s Hall. The concert will feature genres ranging from classical to contemporary, secular and non-secular songs including vibrant Christmas selections, folk and parang.

Choir member Lorraine Cross said the first instalment of the Delightful Melodies concert was performed in 2015. “We had previously concentrated on performing mainly Christmas songs and carols but we wanted to expand our repertoire to deliver non-Christmas selections as well. We thought the title would be appropriate. This year we are also performing some favourite non-Christmas selections in the first half of the programme and so Delightful Melodies 2 seemed to once again be an appropriate description.”

She said this will be the seventh year that the Chorale will be having a concert in November. “The performances are simply about bringing much-needed joy and cheer to our patrons and the action of participating in rehearsal and performing onstage also provides a platform for the expression of the musical talent of our members and musicians. We are not financially sponsored so any revenues generated from ticket sales typically just about cover our expenses. We have also committed to make a financial donation to UTT Student Services since they very kindly provide us with backstage assistance at the performances.”

The UTT RAPturous Voices Chorale is led by renowned vocalist and musician Richard Pierre. Cross said, “the group was originally formed in 1993 as the Valsayn Teacher’s College (VTC) choir. The choir was subsequently renamed UTT Chorale when the VTC was converted to the Valsayn Campus of UTT. The Chorale has since grown to encompass UTT staff and students, and most importantly the members of the community in which UTT serves. In 2015 the group was incorporated as a nonprofit entity under the name RAPturous Voices Chorale, incorporating the initials of the Music Director Richard Anthony Pierre. We continue to make our home at UTT’s Valsayn Campus for the purpose of our weekly Sunday rehearsals, thus maintaining an ongoing affiliation with UTT.”

She said the group aims to build a reputation as one of the leading choral arts organizations in T&T. “All the choristers, including the soloists, are full time members of UTT RAPturous Voices Chorale. The mission of the Chorale is to entertain audiences with stirring choral performances of a professional standard. We also aspire to be an excellent example of community outreach, contributing to the growth of culture by helping to develop musical leaders in our churches and communities.”

Cross said audiences should come to see the show because “Delightful Melodies 2 comprises musical selections designed to bring joy and cheer and to provide festive entertainment for the entire family. The programme contains some of our old favourites in the classical, contemporary, and Christmas genres, as well as some new and exciting additions. Delightful Melodies 2 promises to deliver uplifting selections of song and dance to raise spirits and delight our audience. Those who will be attending for the first time can expect a wonderful surprise at the top of the second half. Patrons will certainly leave the auditorium dancing and singing and full of Christmas spirit. Together, we can spread a message of well needed hope and happiness to our citizens in the midst of these trying times.”

The show on November 9 begins at 8 pm and on November 10 begins at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at the Queen’s Hall box office, from the Choir members, and from 728-2900/494-3400/749-3980.