Queen's Hall hits golden anniversary

The Queen’s Hall turns 50 next week. To celebrate, the Hall is hosting an anniversary awards gala on June 3, at which 50 awards will be presented in tribute to the contributions of iconic local artists both living and deceased, complemented by a cast of over 300 performers.

"Our Golden Anniversary activities represent a thanksgiving; an honouring of the people who believed that the performing of dance, theatre, music and song in one common space could unify us," explained Queen’s Hall chairman Astra Da Costa. "It is an honouring of those who were committed to the idea that culture is not a pastime, but a representation and a definer of our identity."

Under the theme Symphony of Excellence, the event will feature a dynamic cast drawn from Trinidad & Tobago’s diverse pool of talent. Four of the nation’s top choirs have been invited to perform together: Marionettes Chorale, The Love Movement, Lydian Singers and the Southernaires Chorale.

Paul Keens Douglas, Errol Fabien, Dennis "Sprangalang" Hall, Raymond Choo Kong, Penelope Spencer and Albert Laveau will represent the islands' deep-rooted theatrical and oral traditions.

Making dance offerings are last year’s Best Village winners North West Laventille Cultural Movement, Satnarine Balkaransingh, the Bentley Potter School of Dance and Youthquake from Tobago among many others.

The Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra, Ken “Professor” Philmore and pianist Felix Roach will be among those making musical magic on the night.

For more information, visit www.queenshalltt.com.